Article July 9, 1966 Issue

Developing Right Habits

OLIVE HALL SHADGETT

The word "habit" is so often used with an unpleasant connotation that we may think of a habit as something wholly undesirable and to be avoided. But this is not necessarily true. The Apostle Paul admonished, "Pray without ceasing."'^{I Thess. 5:17;} And although Mrs. Eddy is vigorous and unequivocal in condemning evil habits, she writes, "The habitual struggle to be always good is unceasing prayer."^{Science and Health, p. 4;}

Habit is an inclination toward some action which has been Strengthened through repetition. It shows itself in an increased facility of performance or in a decreased power of resistance. As we struggle habitually to be good, the struggle is made easier by constant effort and repetition, and resistance from mortal sense becomes less.

Christian Science teaches that the continuous endeavor to be good, that is, to express the goodness which is our natural birthright as the reflection of God, good, permeates and purifies every thought and act. Such an endeavor is unceasing prayer.

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