Are Your Habits Beauty or Beast?

In our daily lives, we often overlook the profound impact our habits have on our spiritual and personal well-being. Some habits can be like a beautiful garden, nurturing growth and joy, while others can resemble a beast, lurking in the shadows and hindering our progress. As Christians, it’s essential to reflect on our habits and evaluate whether they lead us closer to God or pull us away.

The Beauty of Good Habits

The Bible provides us with timeless wisdom on cultivating good habits that reflect God’s love and purpose. In Philippians 4:8, we are encouraged to focus on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. These virtues can guide us in forming habits that promote spiritual growth and harmony in our lives.

Examples of Positive Habits:
1. Prayer: Regular communication with God strengthens our relationship and deepens our faith.
2. Studying Scripture: Engaging with the Word helps us understand God’s will and equips us to face life’s challenges.
3. Serving Others: Acts of kindness and service not only benefit others but also cultivate compassion and humility within us.
4. Practicing Gratitude: A habit of thankfulness shifts our focus from what we lack to recognizing God’s abundant blessings.

When we embrace these beautiful habits, we find ourselves growing closer to God and living a more fulfilling life.

The Beast of Bad Habits

On the flip side, we must acknowledge the harmful habits that can creep into our lives. Proverbs 4:23 reminds us to guard our hearts, for everything we do flows from it. Bad habits can lead to spiritual stagnation and emotional distress.

Examples of Negative Habits:
1. Gossiping: Speaking ill of others not only damages relationships but also breeds negativity within us.
2. Procrastination: Delaying important tasks can lead to increased stress and missed opportunities to glorify God.
3. Neglecting Spiritual Practices: Skipping prayer or Bible study can create a sense of distance from God and weaken our faith.

These habits can become beasts that hinder our growth and lead us away from the life God desires for us.

Transforming Habits

The good news is that change is possible! Here are some practical steps to help you cultivate beautiful habits:
1. Start Small: Focus on one habit at a time. This makes the process less overwhelming and more achievable.
2. Seek Accountability: Share your goals with a trusted friend or mentor who can encourage and support you.
3. Set Clear Goals: Write down specific, measurable, and attainable goals related to your desired habits.
4. Pray for Guidance: Ask God to help you identify which habits to embrace and which to let go of.

Remember, transformation comes through grace. While we strive to develop good habits, it’s essential to recognize that it’s God’s love and support that empower us to change.

Before athletes can even enter the competition ring, they must first rigorously prepare—developing habits that harden the muscles for strength … habits that toughen the body for endurance … habits that train the mind for self-control. The Apostle Paul was clear …

“Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training.” 

1 Corinthians 9:25

Training for the event can be treacherous . . . particularly in cold-weather conditions . . . necessitating those who train for it to echo Paul’s words: 

“I beat my body and make it my slave.” 

(1 Corinthians 9:27)

As you reflect on your own habits, consider whether they are bringing beauty or beast into your life. Take a moment to evaluate which habits align with your faith and which may be holding you back. Embrace the beautiful habits that lead you closer to God, and don’t be afraid to confront the beasts that hinder your journey. With God’s help, you can cultivate a life filled with beauty, purpose, and joy.