| MAY 1, 2026 -- For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. [St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans, Chapter 7]
We all have bad habits, even the best among us. And we struggle with trying to change them, a good example being the excerpt from St. Paul which begins this month’s message. The struggle is an internal one: part of us wants to change, but there is another part of us that is reluctant to give up what we have been doing for so long. Classical struggles include: going on and sticking to a diet, giving up smoking, giving up drinking, getting more exercise. You can probably think of many more.
I sometimes hear “Why should I break a bad habit? I enjoy them so much. What harm is it doing?” Good reasons for breaking bad habits include: breaking a bad habit improves your physical health, mental well-being, and relationships, while freeing up time and financial resources. The first three of these reasons also have religious connotations. Remember the second of the Great Commandments “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Look at the reflexive in that commandment: we are charged to love both our neighbors and ourselves in equal measure. Loving yourself includes, among other things, keeping good care of both your mind and your body. Bad habits do neither. Also, if you do not take good care of yourself you may well become a burden on your family, your neighbors, and society in general, thus not loving your “neighbor”. And then consider that some of your bad habits may adversely affect your neighbors directly. Consider the effects of secondhand smoke and danger from drunken drivers. And uncontrolled emotional outbursts, public shouting and swearing, ruin the atmosphere for others.
Bad habits can be very difficult to break, but we can get help in doing so. Not only are there support groups available, such as AA, but there are a number of good self-help books and guides. And don’t forget asking God for help. In Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians we are told that “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful.” God gives you strength to overcome temptation. Pray to God for that strength.
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