It is NOT a question of sincerity of faith

People are very condescending, arrogant, and judgmental toward others who have bad habits.   They consider it a major character flaw or weakness and cannot understand (especially if you claim to have faith in God) why you cannot just stop doing it.

You don’t agree?  You think people are not that shallow or judgmental?  What if I say the bad habit is smoking, drinking, drugs?  You would probably come back with “that is not a bad habit, that is an addiction”.   Your right, but ANY habit could actually be considered an addiction.

Habit: A settled or regular tendency or practice, especially one that is hard to give up.  An acquired mode of behavior that has become nearly or completely involuntary.  Example:  I got up early out of a force of habit

Addiction:  the fact or condition of being addicted to a particular substance, thing, or activity.  Addict (vb):  to devote or surrender (oneself) to something habitually

If you really want to understand why it is so hard to break an “addiction”, stop one of your habits.   But don’t just stop for a time.  Stop permanently – right now, forever.  It is that last word that is the kicker.   Anything you tell yourself that you are going to stop doing, saying, eating, drinking, enjoying permanently, will cause you to want to do, say, or enjoy that thing even more or at least it will be constantly on your mind.

Don’t believe me, try it.  Choose one thing that you do, say, eat, drink, etc..  Even if it is something you only do on occasion, but is triggered by a certain activity, event, time of year, celebration, etc..  Promise yourself that you will no longer partake of it permanently.   Then when that trigger presents itself, just see how difficult it is to keep that promise.

Every person has habits.  Some more than others.  Some more intense than others.   Some habits do not need to be changed.  Some do.   Have a cup of coffee or tea, eat some comfort food, turn on the music that always relaxes you, sit back, and think about this.  Until you have identified and eliminated all of your habits that do not specifically improve your health or faith, serve no beneficial purpose, or do nothing to glorify God, please do not question someone’s faith, commitment, strength, or desire to change.