Living In The Light

June 26, The Formation Of Habits

And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
—Luke 2:52 LL 188.1

The character is formed, to a great extent, in early years. The habits then established have more influence than any natural endowment, in making men and women either giants or dwarfs in intellect; for the very best talents may, through wrong habits, become warped and enfeebled. The earlier in life one contracts hurtful habits, the more firmly will they hold their victim in slavery, and the more certainly will they lower his standard of spirituality. On the other hand, if correct and virtuous habits are formed in youth, they will generally mark the course of the possessor through life. In most cases, it will be found that those who in later life reverence God and honor the right learned that lesson before there was time for the world to stamp its images of sin upon the soul. Those of mature age are generally as insensible to new impressions as is the hardened rock, but youth is impressible. . . . LL 188.2

Once formed, habits become more and more firmly impressed upon the character. The intellect is continually receiving its mold from opportunities and advantages, ill or well improved. Day by day we form characters which place the students as well-disciplined soldiers under the banner of Prince Emmanuel, or rebels under the banner of the prince of darkness. Which shall it be? LL 188.3

. . . What we venture to do once, we are more apt to do again. Habits of sobriety, of self-control, of economy, of close application, of sound, sensible conversation, of patience and true courtesy, are not gained without diligent, close watching over self. . . . LL 188.4

Young children, if left to themselves, learn the bad more readily than the good. Bad habits agree best with the natural heart, and things which they see and hear in infancy and childhood are deeply imprinted upon their minds. . . . LL 188.5

In childhood and youth the character is most impressible. The power of selfcontrol should then be acquired. By the fireside and at the family board, influences are exerted whose results are as enduring as eternity. More than any natural endowment, the habits established in early years decide whether a man or woman will be victorious or vanquished in the battle of life.— Child Guidance , pp. 199—203. LL 188.6

Further Reflection: What habit in life would you like God to change for you today? LL 188.7