BEGINNING with a disclaimer: I can only imagine what it feels like to try to quit smoking. I have never lit up. Not even once to try it. It is one of the most insidious, harmful, addicting habits. For that reason, I have a great admiration for those who have successfully “kicked the habit”. In the last fifty years, there has been a great campaign, an educational emphasis directed toward the evils and dangers of smoking. The Surgeon General’s warning woke a lot of people up, terrified some, and caused others to shrug it off as being a lot of bunk. “The Great American Smoke-Out” at least gives an annual caution, as if the warnings on tobacco products weren’t enough.

You probably have noticed that smoking is a pet peeve of mine. But the constant crusade against it, while appearing to tread on smoker’s rights (chasing them out of workspaces and literally all public places), has been phenomenally effective.

Oh, if we could only apply that same sustained, aggressive approach to ALL vices! We would end up being not a human race with free will, but a species of robots. It would be heaven, without a doubt! Most likely, there would be no more cancer or lung disease. Few if any alcoholics and drug addicts. Pornography and sexual abuse? POOF. A world without bad habits is not possible though, for even though Christ will come again in final glory to usher in the kingdom of heaven, until then we remain sinful. Today in your reading you may be enjoying your last day of a vice or habit which you will attempt to give up for the next forty days. Tomorrow may represent the first day of “captivity”! For some, it will be the beginning of a new, improved way of living. We understand the value and merit of healthier behaviors. For others, it is strictly a Lenten discipline, which is also commendable. The reasons and motivations are almost as important. “Do it for yourself” is not necessarily objectionable. Doing away with a vice or habit, whether temporary or permanent, can also be accompanied by additions: more prayer, more Bible, more serving and caring.

I wish and pray for your joy and peace which is found first and foremost in the unconditional love of God which is never, ever withheld because of our unworthiness and our “Bank of Bad Habits” (thank you, Jimmy Buffett). Be good and gentle to yourself and others. Grow in God’s abundant grace!

Pastor Art