Every bad habit gives some pleasure and some pain. But the ratio is very simple yet very complicated. It is simple because it is a fact that many bad habits cause massive destruction. It is complicated because sometimes the destruction is small and we hardly notice it. It is complicated, because, when we ignore the small destruction we forget, the destruction is getting larger and larger, and then we are trapped, confused, and want to quit the habit.
It is complicated because early on in the habit we ignore the fact that we are putting up a wall between us and God (With sharply sinful habits). But later, we feel empty, and depressed, even when we have everything in life the world can offer. Obviously many don’t have everything, but even if you do, you will end up empty and depressed if you run from God.
Fact #1 The pleasure versus pain ratio is bad. Don’t be fooled by the short-term. Consider praying:
“Father, remind me that the pleasure is “always” smaller than the pain, which is always larger, with bad habits.”
If you are young, add eventually after “always” or in the long run.
For people who have been doing bad habits for years, they “know” it is true. We just need to remind ourselves of this fact more often. We just need to pray about this fact way more often.
Second, Matthew 6 says: 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
We chase wrong things that do not satisfy. Instead, seek God first. Strain for righteousness first. When we do those things, God will begin to give us pleasures that do not add destruction. They will be new pleasures, and they will be great.
Third, once you start living in a way that “All things shall be added unto you”… Life starts to really get great.
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