Habits

Habits can dominate our lives. Some habits are harmless, while others may be harmful. They can edify or distract.

How are habits formed? Why do we become attached to some activities but not to others?

These questions were probed in a recent study by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The study concluded that patterns, or habits, form as people “perform a behavior over and over again.” However, many people “seem to suffer from defects in learning procedures or habits.”

The researchers confirmed that the brain uses “stored behavioral routines that are triggered by an event and then ‘run’ automatically.” But when a new habit is learned, “nerve cell responses in the brain are reorganized.”

Every day, all of us should realize that we are creatures of habit. The things that we do over and over again become a normal part of our lives. In fact, we can forget that we have choices and that many of these habits can be changed.

We must not allow the flesh, conveniences, the world around us, and worldly pleasures to dictate our thoughts or actions. Paul wrote, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think” (Romans 12:2). He told the Corinthians that as we allow God’s Spirit to work within us, we become “more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.”

Today, think about your habits and the patterns that you have allowed in your life. Remember that, with God’s help, you can change. He can transform your life.

Surrender yourself to Him. Spend time reading His Word, praying, and worshiping Him. Allow His Spirit to work within you. Ask Him to help you form habits that make you more like Jesus.

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