Everyone knows there are certain habits that lead a man to perdition. But from what I’ve seen, most people take a very lukewarm approach and only seek to eliminate the obvious ones (porn, masturbation, etc.). However, the reality is that you probably engage in a long list of destructive habits, and without careful consideration and a strategic approach to eliminating them, they will eventually lead you astray and, simply put, destroy your future.
Let’s get right into it. Here are the top 10 habits that you need to quit asap:
#10: Substance Abuse
For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.
- Titus 2:11-12
Now I’m not talking about the obvious, hardcore substances. Of course you should avoid them altogether. But I’ve come to realize most of us are addicted to lots more substances than we might think. Maybe it’s coffee. Maybe it’s sugar. Maybe it’s junk food. Maybe it’s nicotine. Maybe it’s a particular supplement. The list goes on and on.
You cannot allow yourself to become dependent on any substance, even if it’s not bad on its own —take caffeine, for example: it’s not the substance that’s bad, it’s the addiction to the substance. The reason for this is simple: God calls on us to live detached from wordly passions, so we can better focus on eternity.
The cure to this habit: Practice asceticism, fast, and voluntarily give up those things that you are too fond of.
#9: Carnal Thinking
For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
- Romans 8: 6-8
Every aspect of your being should be oriented towards God. Thinking carnally —letting your flesh and its desires guide your decisions and instruct your intellect— goes directly against the precepts of a sound life under God. The carnal mind is not subject to the law of God.
We are to practice purity in our thinking, for it’s from our minds that our actions and beliefs stem. It’s a battle that we all must face, but a necessary one: to guard our minds from the temptations of thinking carnally, and to make sure we think spiritually, and let that be what guides our actions.
The cure to this habit: Practice chastity, ask for this virtue in prayer (Our Lady, Saint Augustine, or St Maria Goretti are great saints to ask for the virtue of chastity).
#8: Childish Entertainment
When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put away childish things.
- 1 Corinthians 13:11
This one might be tough to read for some of you, but I promise I don’t write this intending to judge you or criticize you. It’s not fit for a man to still be hooked to childish forms of entertainment: video games, childish TV and movie shows, anime, etc. These things keep you from maturing and keep you hooked to childhood, directly impeding your development as a man. I know because I was an avid gamer until a couple of years ago.
Again, it’s not that video games and TV are “wrong” in and of themselves, it’s simply that a man should occupy his mind with higher things. There’s always something better to do than spending countless hours playing games or watching movies. These are legitimate forms of recreation, but you need to be very careful that they don’t become an attachment. You should be able to enjoy the odd movie or sports game here and there, but they should never be a priority in your life.
A man simply should not know the entire Marvel multiverse. It’s a net negative to be so invested in childish things because it distracts you from more fruitful, productive things.
The cure to this habit: Find better forms of entertainment, start a creative project, sell your console and TV if you cannot keep yourself from using them. Throw aways the superhero T-shirts.
#7: Lack of Contentment
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.
- 1 Timothy 6:6-7
Because this life is temporary, and because we understand we can take nothing out of this world into the next one, we have to learn to be content with what we have. Focusing on what you lack is a sign of ingratitude, as instead of thanking God for the blessings he’s given you, you resent Him for not giving you more.
Additionally, those things that really matter are those you can’t measure: the love of your family and friends, the life God’s given you. The very best things in life, those that bring true joy, are not material. Learn to be content with the simple things, focus on the blessings you do have, and set your mind and heart on preparing for eternity.
The cure to this habit: Practice minimalism, give to charity regularly, learn to do away with things that you don’t need.
#6: Low Self-Esteem
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
- Ephesians 2:10
Not only will low self-esteem make it difficult for you to achieve your goals here on earth, but it also goes directly against our faith. Think about it: you are made in God’s image. He put careful thought into creating you. He crafted every single detail of your being. He made you exactly as you are. Who are you to say He made a mistake? Who are you to say His work is not good?
You are a perfect creation, not only in your present state but also in your potential. Your understanding, your criteria, and your feelings about yourself do not trump God’s design.
However, you need to honor God by also working to build yourself up in character and virtue. It’s not enough to sit back and rejoice in the knowledge of being created in God’s image. You are to honor this knowledge by making of your life something beautiful and pure.
The cure to this habit: Pray and meditate on God’s love for you. Be conscious of trying to see yourself as Jesus would. Build yourself both spiritually and in matters of the world.
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