Good and Bad Habits

Sow an act and you reap a habit.
Sow a habit and you reap a character.
Sow a character and you reap a destiny.
— Samuel Smiles

We must be careful about our thoughts and actions because they quickly turn into habits. A habit is something we do continually, often without even thinking about it.

Good Habits vs. Bad Habits

Some habits are wonderful. Saying “please” and “thank you,” cleaning your room, and feeding your pets are excellent examples of good habits.

On the other hand, it is easy to develop bad habits. These might include using bad language, lying, ignoring chores at home, or acting up during church services.

How Habits Start

Habits always start slowly. We might use a bad word just once, or tell a lie when we are in a tight spot.

When we do something wrong, we need to repent (to turn away from sin and choose a different direction).

When we repent, we make a firm decision to try our hardest not to repeat the mistake. Even if we slip up, we keep trying. We must also confess our mistakes to God, ask for His forgiveness, and seek His strength to do what is right.

Breaking a Bad Habit

If we do not repent or make changes, we will likely repeat those bad actions. Soon, we won’t even think about whether we should do them—they will just happen automatically.

Once a habit is formed, breaking it requires significant effort. It is possible to stop, but it takes conscious, daily choices.

Building Good Habits

Fortunately, we can build good habits using the same process. By doing good things over and over, they become second nature.

If you practice using good manners, speaking politely, and acting properly, these behaviors will become part of who you are. Work hard to develop habits that make you more like Jesus. By doing so, you will live a healthier, happier, and more peaceful life.