Every time I see the honey on the counter wrong-side-up I think of the song “Hard Habit to Break.” And, I think of sinful habits. If we can’t even break the habit of how we place the honey, how can we ever break sinful habits?
Sinful habits, life dominating habits, are intimidating. When we realize that we are caught in the throws of sin we sometimes become discouraged and think there is no way out. But, we need not feel stuck. (No honey pun intended.) Jesus came not only to forgive our sins but help break their hold on us. He will deliver us and help us overcome sin if we ask for his help and are willing to form new habits.
When trying to break a sinful habit, begin with prayer and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Ask God’s forgiveness for the sins already committed and pray for strength. Remember that you are not in this alone. God is not some taskmaster who is standing over you waiting for you to fail. God is on your side. Ask for help in the moments of temptation and look for ways to avoid near occasions of sin. One of the best ways for breaking a hard habit is to replace it. We can replace our sinful habits with virtuous patterns.
“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to humans. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”
– 1 Corinthians 10:13