Holy habits

By Charles Christian

Often when we discuss habits, we talk about negative or unhealthy ones. However, not all habits are harmful. Some are actually good for us and can be nurtured throughout our lives.

Neuroscientists tell us that habits are repeated behaviors that sort of weave new paths into our brains and produce a sense of safety, satisfaction or comfort. Even bad habits can become “go-to” activities when we are stressed or when we feel the need to escape the tension of the moment.

This is both the danger and the beauty of habits.

The danger, of course, comes when consistent unhealthy actions become our consistent “go-to” actions. For instance, if we turn to drugs or alcohol consistently as an escape or as a calming coping mechanism, the sensation we feel from the habit can make us feel better temporarily while doing great harm to our bodies and our brains.

On the other hand, the healthy habits we develop can strengthen us in ways that allow us to thrive in all areas of our lives. When exercise or eating right become habits, meaning they become consistent parts of our lives and help us cope with stress, then we receive lifelong benefits and feel better at the same time.

The Bible commends healthy habits. For instance, the Apostle Paul writes: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things” (Philippians 4:8).

Concentrating and acting on the good things in our lives can develop healthy habits that not only create better ways of thinking but also provide healthy ways of interacting with others. In Christian tradition, these healthy habits are often called “disciplines,” or “spiritual disciplines.” Things like prayer, meditation, acts of kindness, worship and study are among these disciplines — healthy, holy habits — that can reshape our lives and our faith for the better.

Some bad habits are hard to break and require time and even help from others, including help from professionals. Often replacing unhealthy habits with healthy ones can make all the difference.