"Creatures of Habit"

“Creatures of Habit”

Between 1914 and 1947 Edgar Rice Burroughs published 22 novels in the “Tarzan” series. (Two more authorized by his estate appeared after his 1950 death.) In the third book, The Beasts of Tarzan (1916), he coined the phrase “creatures of habit” by which “…we fall naturally and easily into the manner and customs which long usage has implanted ineradicably within us”. This saying has crept into our English vernacular to refer to doing things automatically without thinking and likely explains some of the actions we take (or don’t take).

I remembered this expression recently as Karen and I have frequently observed a blue jay’s flying from a neighbor’s tree and perching on the same branch of a southern magnolia in our yard. Animals are “creatures of habit” by instinct but we as humans establish such practices by choice, often by not realizing what we’re doing. For example, some baseball players go through the same idiosyncrasies every time they come to bat (sometimes even between pitches). And think of how we tend to gravitate to the same place when we attend church. (A leader in our New Hampshire congregation once “threatened” to have everyone sit in different areas than usual to make me wonder if I was in the right building—thankfully he never did it.)  Being a “creature of habit” myself I find it comfortable but must be open to flexibility and change when circumstances and especially God’s leading call for it.

The American Heritage Dictionary defines habit as “a pattern of behavior acquired by frequent repetition; a customary manner or practice”. While we must be careful not to become slaves to a particular method there are several areas of our walk with Christ in which we’d do well to be “creatures of habit”. For instance, in our praying (“…Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.”—Ephesians 6:18 {note the emphasis on flexibility}). Then, too, in our reading and study of God’s Word (“…They…examined the Scriptures every day….”—Acts 17:11). Thirdly, in our service (“If anyone wishes to come after me, let {one} deny {oneself}, take up {one’s} cross day after day, and so follow me….”—Luke 9:23, Moffatt). And let’s not forget about sharing our faith (“…If you are asked about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But you must do this in a gentle and respectful way.”—1 Peter 3:15-16, NLT).

Establishing good practices takes time and effort, particularly godly ones. But the results are worth it (“Be sure that nothing you do for {God} is ever lost or even wasted.”—1 Corinthians 15:58, Phillips). Let’s then strive to be “creatures of godly habits” on life’s journey.

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan