Habit

A habit by definition is a settled or regular tendency to practice something. Habits are easily made but difficult to break. We live by habit, act by habit and think by habit. Our habits are encapsulated by our lifestyle and subsequently govern our actions. Taking ownership over the habits we choose to incorporate in our lives is our responsibility and rightly so, because it is these habits that are a reflection of the choices we make. Personally, I find that all actions require an initial nurturing period before they become habitual. This is true for both good and bad habits. A bad habit is a product of a rigorous "justification" process whereby we become more comfortable allowing ourselves to indulge in such a temptation. With sufficient time, justifying that habit becomes instantaneous and it becomes a crux in our lives. In a similar fashion, building good habits require the same justification processes. The only distinguishing difference between the two is accessibility. How easy is it to partake in a certain activity? If you are given no guidance in the decision, you will most certainly take the easier of the two options. Typically, we would rather chase those instant gratifications than spend time crafting a healthier lifestyle. The trouble is, the more we fill our lives with these habitual indulgences, the faster they begin to break us down and blind us towards the possibility of living without them. 

However, should we choose to sculpt a lifestyle that is replenished by strong, good habits - the benefits become boundless. Good habits do take time to reflect in our lives. Reading scripture was something, I first had to nurture before I could realize the grandeur of its reward. It gave me a platform upon which I could engage with the world and the satisfaction of never setting forward an empty message. Helping the needy and being charitable to the poor seemed rather arduous at first but the more habitual it became the more self respect I gained. Taking care of my body and exercising regularly took time and patience but now there is so much joy in the undertaking. A good healthy lifestyle is an indication of good habits.

Romans 12:1-2 

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Ephesians 4:22-24 

To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.