It is not surprising that these words are so closely related. What we hold, posses, have, and handle is directly influence by where we live. In other words, our habits are, often, a direct result of our habitat.

The American Heritage College Dictionary defines habitat in the following way: “The place in which a person or thing is most likely to be found.” Think for just a second about these two questions: First, where is it that you are likely to be found? Second, does that have any impact on the habits you have developed?

Paul had this idea in mind when he said, “Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits.’” (1 Cor. 15:33). If you are likely to be found with “evil company,” you will likely develop evil habits. The environment you put yourself in will have a profound impact on the way you live.

Although we have some level of control over our environment, we are not always able to choose our surroundings. Our most influential habitat, in my opinion, is the home. Unfortunately, we have no control over the home we are born into. Sadly, many children are heading in the wrong direction because of the influences found in their home. Home life has a major impact on the rest of our lives. Therefore, there is great need for positive influences in the home. It is from the home that we develop many of our habits.

Shortly after being married, my eyes were opened to the fact that I had developed many habits while living in my parents home; for example, my family never put ketchup in the refrigerator, Katie’s family did; my family never put the dish drainer in the sink, Katie’s family did. At first, those little habits were hard to break, and some of them still are. She or I will say, “that is not how my family did it.” I believe this problem is a common one. Most families have a way that they do things. They form habits.

If the home is so influential with little things like where the ketchup goes and where to put the dish drainer, imagine what kind of impact it has on a family when they sing hymns, read the Bible, and pray together regularly. That will, without a doubt, have an impact on each member of the family. Conversely, imagine the impact on a family when all things spiritual are ignored in the home.

We must come to realize that the environment present in the home will produce habits in its inhabitants. The home should be a place that is conducive for developing good, godly habits. Establish a godly home and good habits will, most likely, be formed by those dwelling within its walls. Hopefully, your godly habits will be passed along to your children and grandchildren. Your influence might cause this cycle to continue for generation after generation. If you are not careful, your influence might lead your family away from God. With that in mind, how would you describe the condition of your home? Remember, godly habits are formed within godly homes.