All of us need to avoid habits that enslave us to certain things in life. Just because something is technically legal doesn’t mean that it is spiritually appropriate. For example, if we went around doing whatever we thought we could get away with, we would become slaves to our own whims. Instead, we should look closely at opportunities that arise and say no to those that are insignificant or healthy.
The Bible tells the story of Daniel, a young man of noble birth, who was taken into captivity by King Nebuchadnezzar. He served the King and his successor with loyalty and ability. However, Daniel refused to be enslaved and would not eat the King’s food, and later refused to bow to the King’s idols.
Are there any addictive behaviors that you struggle to break free from? Do you have any habits that you feel control or enslave you? If you are serious about spiritual growth, look for opportunities to deny yourself in areas where you have been enslaved. Zero in on the undisciplined areas of your life; the things that you consistently excuse, rationalize and procrastinate addressing.
Ask yourself: Is this beneficial to my spiritual growth? Does it have the potential to control me? You may have the right to eat a whole apple pie every night, but it’s not beneficial, especially if you want unblocked arteries, a trim waistline, the ability to run a marathon, or just the energy to keep up with your kids and grandkids.
Here’s the point: You need to seriously consider the things that enslave you and measure their impact. Are they beneficial to your wellbeing? You have a right to spend your money buying things that are not essential to your life. But if you worry and complain about being in debt, due to habitual spending, your efforts are counterproductive. You have the right to watch the trendy social media reels to pass the time, but if it makes you feel inadequate and diminishes your self-worth, less of a person, isn’t that self-defeating and harmful to your mental health?
A word of advice: Avoid habits that can enslave you, as your character is the sum total of the choices you make each day. When it comes to replacing bad habits with good ones, remember that you are the only person who can make that change. So, be disciplined and be blessed. Never Give Up! Never Give UP! Never Give UP.
By Dr. Walter Ghosten
chaplain@lhp.net
