Habits form slowly but seize control of our lives like iron shackles. William James noted in the Principles of Psychology, “The hell to be endured [in the] hereafter…is no worse than the hell we make for ourselves in this world by habitually fashioning our characters in the wrong way…We are spinning our own fates, good or evil, and never to be undone.” When we realize the power of habits, we are more astute in our choices for good or evil.
You may not be addicted to alcohol, tobacco or a street drug, but neither was Elvis Presley. He died from abuse of prescription drugs. A bad habit can be anything that causes pain and suffering, like speaking your mind. Someone said, “I say exactly what I think.” So what is missing here?
Listen to Proverbs 10:32: “Godly people speak words that are helpful while the wicked create upheaval and pain.” God’s people make Psalm 19:14 their guide. “May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord my Redeemer.” Choose God’s way to be accepted and blessed.
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And [Jesus] said, “What comes out of a person is what
defiles him. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts,
sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit,
sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from
within, and they defile a person.”
~Mark 7:20-23 English Standard Version
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to
forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
~1 John 1:9 New International Version
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