The Power of Habits

Let’s talk about habits. Stephen Covey wrote a book titled “Seven Habits of Highly Successful People.” I don’t know anybody who says, “No, not me... I don’t want to be successful.” Just can’t stand any of that success stuff. No, we all want to be successful. Some are more committed and passionate about it than others, but we all enjoy success.

A lady named June Hunt said, “You are not born with your habits—you weave them and wear them. Your habits can be the rags of self-centered addictions or the robes of Christ-centered self-control.” (from Hope For The Heart Biblical Counseling Keys © 2005 by Hope For The Heart.)
Habits

Interestingly, in most dictionaries the first definition for the word habit reveals it to be “a type of clothing that is characteristic of a certain calling, rank or function.” You know, it’s what a nun wears. When she gets up and gets dressed there is no decision to be made about what they will wear. Their habit is right there in the closet waiting to be put on.

Eventually a habit came to be “a pattern of behavior acquired by frequent repetition that reflects the prevailing character of a person.” The Bible is interwoven with the same concept: Your habits characterize your character. If you are a Christian, your calling is to be clothed in the habit of Christ, with the result that your character actually reflects His character.

“Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.” Romans 13:14 (NIV)

Steven Killpatrick said, “Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny. What starts out as a simple thought may ultimately determine our destiny, even our eternal destiny. Mr. Killpatrick must have heard or read the words of Solomon found in Proverbs 23:7: "As a man thinks in his heart, so is he."

Our thoughts reflect the person we really are. That’s character. Someone said, “Character is what you are when no one is looking.” If we have thoughts which are hateful, they will manifest themselves as words--actions--habits. If, however, we fill our hearts with positive things, can anything but good actions result? Paul summed it up when he wrote in Philippians 4:8, (NIV) "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things."

We choose our habits. Habits do not choose us. Make your choices today.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, today I choose... I choose to ask for Your help. I choose to think about good things, things that please You and will enhance my life. Today, I clothe my self with You and choose to please You and not myself. I want You to be my "habit." AMEN.

Blessings!
Pastor Roger