How long does it take to form a habit?  Answers vary. Some say 21 days but there are so many variables, does anyone really know for sure? Is it easier to establish a bad habit than a good one? What has been your experience?

In recent years, researchers have tried to delve more deeply into habit-forming tendencies.  They call it automaticity. When does a personal activity become an automatic response? They tested things from drinking a glass of water to eating fresh fruit to doing 50 sit-ups a day. To reach a stable level of automaticity it ranged from 18 to 254 days; but the average was 66 days – roughly two months. (spring.org.uk/2009/09/how-long-to-form-a-habit.php)

The writer of the Epistle to the Hebrews referred to one bad habit that some Christians had gotten into a way back then.

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,

not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some,

but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Hebrews 10:24-25

Neglecting to meet together publicly with other believers flies in the face of God’s desire for every Christian. Why is the establishment of local churches taught in God’s Word and practised by the early Christians?  Public lights in a dark world to glorify God – neighbourhoods and communities were to be blessed with local fellowships of believers where the Truth was taught and practised.  He wants groups coming together each week for the Lord’s Supper and to learn and study the Word of God together; to pray together and work together to spread the Gospel. A place where spiritual privileges are enjoyed and responsibilities are taken seriously. A venue where believers can encourage one another and stir up each other to love and good works.

It’s a sad day for the Lord and for other believers when some form the habit of neglecting to meet together with fellow-believers in the ‘public’ venue outlined in the New Testament. What was the issue back then that some stopped attending and just got into the bad habit of not showing up?

  • Some were confused about where their old religion fit with Christianity. Confusion.
  • Others may have thought that persecution for their faith in Christ wasn’t worth it. Discouragement.
  • Perhaps some of the Christians bugged them or hadn’t shown enough love towards them. Bitterness.
  • Maybe others were swamped with family and career issues. Distractions.
  • It’s conceivable that some thought that they could survive on their own – without fellowship with other believers.

Whatever their reasons, some had formed the bad habit of rarely showing up at any of the gatherings of the local believers. Have you been neglecting to meet together? For how long – somewhere between 18 and 254 days?  Or are you closer to the 66-day average – when an activity is likely to become a habit? Is there a certain automaticity to your Sundays now or to the evening when you used to attend the prayer meeting and Bible study? How sad.

You wonder why some can’t stop smoking. Why don’t they have enough will power to put their cigarettes behind them? After years of scoffing at the health warnings, it’s hard to swallow their pride and say: “I’ve been wrong. This habit is hurting me. As much as I enjoy my smokes and the relaxation it brings to me – it’s not good. I am making a change. I am breaking the habit.”

What hinders you from breaking your bad habit?

Walk carefully and closely with the Lord today,

Peter Ramsay

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