“Old persons are creatures of habit. Almost everything is impulse with a little child, and nothing can be called habit; almost everything is habit in… old age, and there is very little that can be called impulse. As character to be used for eternity must be formed in time and in good time, so good habits to be used for happiness in this life must be formed early.”
~George B. Cheever
The impulsiveness of untrained youth, when unchecked, can produce heavy damage to their spirit. They should be trained early in disciplines that follow the Lord. These, even in infancy, include prayer and Christlike living coached by parents and siblings who love and follow the Lord’s example. Destructive behavior from our own or a another’s past should not be shared freely, lest children then take license and say “well, dad did it… why can’t I?” Nor should our conversation include such phrases as “boys will be boys!”, thus condoning bad behavior. We, in later years, should remember that impulsiveness can be a good thing, when the Spirit agrees and we do it for the right reasons… to bless the lives of others. kdm re-posted form 3.19.15
Bad habits picked up early in life are often thought of little consequence. Left unchanged they become VERY difficult, like pushing against a heavy object. Youth through early 20’s is the best time create good habits that will ‘set one free’ from sin’s results (John 8: 31-32). For the rest of us NOW is the best time. By deliberate choice and following positive examples, life is easier for self and all whom we might influence.
When looking to the Lord, any bad habit approached with prayer and fasting, increases patience. Commitment in looking to Him for strength will over time, as the level of commitment is tested then increased, change bad habits to good ones. When we listen, we apply His guidance and teachings, found in scripture. All good things are possible when patiently striving to be on the Lord’s side. Such striving equals the design of this existence and, simply said, life is much easier when habits are formed that favor Jesus Christ. kdm
