Honing Up Our Habits

There is a famous saying: “You are what you eat.” The same is true with our mind. “As he thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7). How often we overlook these basic words of wisdom.

One of the worst habits to afflict many youth today is that of addiction. Frequently we hear of young people that have become addicted to illegal drugs, alcohol, or tobacco. They are powerless to break away from these strong chemical substances that cruelly abuse their bodies and debase their young mind.

We all should be aware of some downward steps that can lead to the perilous pathway of addiction: “The youth and children should understand the effect of alcohol, tobacco, and other like poisons in breaking down the body, beclouding the mind, and sensualizing the soul. It should be made plain that no one who uses these things can long possess the full strength of his physical, mental, or moral faculties.

“But in order to reach the root of intemperance we must go deeper than the use of alcohol or tobacco. Idleness, lack of aim, or evil associations, may be the predisposing cause. Often it is found at the home table, in families that account themselves strictly temperate. Anything that disorders digestion, that creates undue mental excitement, or in any way enfeebles the system, disturbing the balance of the mental and the physical powers, weakens the control of the mind over the body, and thus tends toward intemperance. The downfall of many a promising youth might be traced to unnatural appetites created by an unwholesome diet.

“Tea and coffee, condiments, confectionery, and pastries are all active causes of indigestion. Flesh food also is harmful.”—Education, pp. 202, 203.

Such sobering comments! Even sin itself is like an addiction. It is habit-forming and we need deliverance from it. The enemy of our soul may not have managed to ensnare us with drugs, tobacco, or alcohol. Maybe the trap he has custom-designed for us consists of habits of evil or naughty thoughts, or sensuous, covetous deeds. The Ten Commandments are our guideline. If we fall short in word, thought, or deed from the spirit of that law, we need help.

How wonderful it is that help is available, and costs much less than many drug treatment centers do. It’s free in fact, and the great Physician can supply more than a temporary balm to ease the way to full restoration. He provides His own companionship; He will sup with us. He promises that if we hunger and thirst after righteousness we shall be filled.

So, why be satisfied with cheap, addictive junk food for the body, mind, or heart? Choose instead the awesome, spiritual experience described in Scripture, “He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love” (Song of Solomon 2:4).