creatures of habit

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Habits intrigue me...they seem to be a means that God has placed in our brains to increase efficiency.  Apparently there are two highways for our thoughts:  one is a training highway where experiences are consciously processed and actions deliberately chosen.  The other is a programmed highway, where repeated actions that are associated with certain situations become "hard-wired".   When repeated actions have become programmed into our brain, the brain actually preserves those pathways with a special coating on the nerve path.  When the proper situation arises (e.g. leaving the driveway for the commute to work) the brain automatically knows where to make the turns and how much speed is needed.  Habits can be changed, of course, but it takes a lot of conscious work to reprogram the brain, once those coatings are in place on our nerve paths.  I think there are important applications for our spiritual lives.  Of course, our walk with God is not a robot-like response to a set of conditions.  But our walk with God can be enhanced when we have programmed our minds to include Him in various situations.  If it becomes our pattern to spend time with Him as our first daily activity, eventually that will become our norm and the habit will lead to many dynamic interactions with our Maker.  If our pattern becomes "service" when we encounter or observe others in need, then we will respond something like a firefighter to the station alarm and helping others will be our normal response.  Habits are formed through repetition.  I suppose that means we should carefully consider how we respond to common situations...how are we programming our minds...what kind of "thought highways" are we constructing? 

 

1 Corinthians 7:^23-24All of you, slave and free both, were once held hostage in a sinful society. Then a huge sum was paid out for your ransom. So please don't, out of old habit, slip back into being or doing what everyone else tells you. Friends, stay where you were called to be. God is there. Hold the high ground with him at your side.

 

blessings,

Rob Smith