Little Sins Mean a Lot: Kicking Our Bad Habits Before They Kick Us

by Elizabeth Scalia

Most of us at one time have said, or thought, something

“So I procrastinate, it’s not like it’s hurting anyone!”“Enough about you, back to me.”“I deserve this, so I’m treating myself!”“If I can’t have it, she shouldn’t either.”“I’ll get around to it… or not.”“It’s not really gossip if it’s all true, right?”(And the granddaddy of them all) “But that doesn’t make me a bad person!”

Are these really sins, you ask? After all, they’re not murder, theft, or violence. Don’t they just mean we’re human?

Writer, speaker, and blogger Elizabeth Scalia takes a look at thirteen of these “little sins” that, if left unexamined and unconfessed, can have a serious impact on our spiritual lives and relationship with Christ. Through her honest (and sometimes funny) examination of these same sins in her own life, as well as Church teaching on each one, she helps us ask ourselves the tough questions, and the tools to kick these bad habits before they kick us.

Genres: Catholic, Faith, Religion, Spirituality, Self Help, Christian, Christianity

159 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 22, 2016

About the author

Elizabeth Scalia is a Benedictine Oblate, an award-winning writer. and a regularly-featured columnist at First Things and at The Catholic Answer Magazine

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

On an intellectual level, I understand that sin is bad. I get that I’m mired in it and that I should work to get out.

But what about the sins that aren’t a big deal?

How many of us don’t bother with Confession because, hey, we haven’t killed anyone? (My hand’s in the air.)

This book, though, isn’t about Confession. It’s about the things we should be working on that lead us to Confession.

The topics range from the procrastination and gossip to self-neglect and passive aggression. I found myself not only nodding, but thinking long after I was done reading.

Though I don’t intend to procrastinate, Scalia challenged me with how often I do shove things off to another day, another hour, another minute.

"I think procrastination is a manifestation of fear that betrays our lack of trust. We believe God has plans for us but still put off doing what it takes to allow the plan to unfold, because we cannot perfectly control the outcome, or control how others will respond to our efforts, or even how we will respond to our own success or failure."

Procrastination, in light of this, becomes more than just having too much on my to-do list.

"When we procrastinate, we make excuses about why so many other things need to be done before we can do the thing we’re called to do — the thing we are probably made to do. … It is just so much easier to go do something (or nothing) else, rather than face our fear with Mary’s perfect trust and say, “Behold, I am the hand-servant of the Lord,” and then get cracking."

Guilty as charged.

I was also challenged by Scalia’s exploration of clinging to a narrative. She explains it in a way that hits pretty close to home.

In fact, this whole book hit me right on target…no “close to home” about it!

At the end of each chapter’s examination of the little-sin-that’s-really-not, Scalia has compiled a section with excerpts from the Catechism and quotes from saints regarding it.

And then, lest you feel like “Well, that’s it, I’m a hopeless case of X and Z,” she spends at least as much time sharing how to break the habit that the sin has become in our lives.

Best of all, each chapter ends with a prayer that’s down-to-earth and something you might actually use (or carry around with you all day, or tape to the cupboard, or carve into your hand…).

This book speaks to my life, as it is and as I struggle within it. It’s a book that looks deep inside and puts all the dust bunnies out in the light.

You can’t help but take a deeper look at yourself and want to change. In fact, thanks to this book, you’ll have the tools and insight to make those changes.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've had this book on my shelf for over a year, but put off reading it because I knew it would be one of those things that hurt to read. I'm actually really glad now that I saved it for Lent. It definitely makes you really look inside and reveals the ways all those seemingly "little" things can snowball into grave sin. You know you're going to have to change at the end, and that it will be difficult; but, you know it's possible and the author leaves you feeling full of hope. I was only going to give 4 stars until the last chapter, which really sealed the deal on another star. Basically, God's mercy abounds, friends, and the worst sin of all is to think it can't touch us or change us. My favorite quote she included was attributed to St. Benedict of Nursia, "It is only we who brood over our sins. God does not brood over them; God dumps them at the bottom of the sea."

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elizabeth Scalia's book are always in a sense easy but difficult. Easy, in the sense her writing style is very readable, difficult in the message and content. The book like her others, demands we take an honest look at our spiritual life. Looking at quirks or small personal traits which may not be sinful at first glance, Scalia shows us through personal experience, Church teachings, and Scripture how these habits can lead us away from Christ. She does so with out a sense of scrupulosity. I will be reflecting on these insights for some time.

[Ann Warren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, this book really brought to light the way little sins and habits can turn into deadly ones if not checked. Thought provoking, funny and real, I loved her writing style and bare-all attitude. Definitely one to revisit again!

[Teresa Chabot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Little Sins Mean a Lot is a book that will join others on my favorites shelf. Reading it is like sitting down with an old friend to enjoy a cup of tea and discuss ways to overcome the struggles of life. Elizabeth Scalia not only brings up the nagging weaknesses that plague us in growing closer to God but also offers suggestions to help overcome them. Her personal honesty, humor and encouragement offer hope to the Christian seeking to grow in wisdom and faith. This is a book I can return to for an examination of conscience and reminder of God's infinite mercy.

[Jerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grousing is inclusive in a way sunny optimism cannot be, because while a day’s pleasures may not be fully absorbed, all of us are conscious of its pinpricks.

I used to follow Elizabeth Scalia’s blog, The Anchoress, and generally enjoyed it; I fell away from it when she switched to a new server several years ago and missed the announcement. I don’t remember where I ran across the existence of this book.

This is a really nice real-world guide to Christian, and especially Catholic, self-improvement. The Little Sins are sins we all commit, and that make all of our lives that little bit worse—and also make our relationships that little bit less caring.

She talks about things like procrastination, gossip, self-centeredness especially when it comes to interpreting other people’s thoughts, passive-aggressiveness, and so on. There are thirteen short chapters, each on a separate topic. Many of the chapters are mirrors of the previous chapter, so that there is a chapter on excessive self-interest and another on self-neglect. And one on acknowledging sins of omission and another on avoiding excessive self-recrimination.

Each chapter starts with a personal anecdote and/or question, a short discussion of how to recognize the little sin and how it affects your Christian life; it continues with a short series of quotes from the bible, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, various Saints, and people such as a Pope, G.K. Chesterton, Archbishop Sheen, or Jean-Pierre de Caussade. It ends with practical advice and then a short prayer to be used regularly to ask God for assistance regarding this particular little sin.

The book, each chapter, and especially the advice is very down-to-earth; the only real drawback is that it’s easy enough to follow that you might feel guilty for putting it off after reading it.

[Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very easy read, as others have said in their reviews, however, perhaps a little too easy. In that there's an element of irreverence and casualness in the early chapters of the book that is thankfully gone by the second half. With that out of the way, it is an excellent examination of bad habits and "little sins," and by extension the whole concept that even the small things matter. The small things do attach to the greater things. It ties back even to Aristotelian concepts of excellence and the moral life, something the best Catholic thinkers do an overall excellent job of; baptizing the good in the old pagan philosophers and retaining it. It is an approachable book, and short, but one digested as one chapter per day. One should think about and internalize the lessons she described here. It is absolutely one of the most convicting books I've ever read, and I can relate to many of the "little sins" she describes. Highly recommended, even for non-Catholics and non-Christians with an open mind.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely excellent. Inspiring. Readable. Funny. It started off with a bang with procrastination, which is probably the one that I'm worst at, so good start. There are also several practical suggestions for combating each sin, beautifully written yet modern prayers, quotes from awesome dead people. I know I'm probably a bit weird for this, but it honestly felt a little like a practical handbook for adventure, since it helps me so much to think of self-growth and the fight against sin as all a big inconvenient adventure.

She reminds me of C. S. Lewis in her acute perception into human behavior. She doesn't write anything like Lewis, but both affect me in a similar way, making me more observant people's foibles, especially my own.

(Probably not recommended for those with severe scrupulosity, even though she talks against self-hatred and neglect as well.)

[Andrea Lucero-watje · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little simplistic, but an overall good reminder that the little sins we commit matter. The best parts were the quotes at the end from the catechism and various saints. On the plus side, this may be a book I have my upper elementary through high school kiddos read for spiritual development. For kids: warning - there’s a few (unnecessary) mild curses in the writing. There are also a few annoying bits in which the author shows her own biases. For example in the judging others section she mentions locking the car door when someone of another race walks by (which she implies everyone would relate to), or how she believes a young woman who tells potential convents she is considering entering all about her dietary allergies and diagnosis was suffering from a lack of humility (instead of sharing important information with potential future homes).

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a decent, if not good book, to help get you thinking about our little habits in life and what could develop into a habit of sins. Unfortunately I got hung up on some of her examples because she took the habit to the extremes. She used herself in some examples where I thought what she did was perfectly reasonable for her situation, and not a sin. I also thought some of the habits she talked about, she talked about extreme cases of them, in which case, I didn't think it would be a sin but a mental illness. Regardless it was an easy read that made me think of my own habits.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book and a must read if you are trying to become a more Christ-like person. Most of us live in the world of “I’m basically a good person. I didn’t kill anybody” and I most certainly did, but justifying away all the little things we do to make ourselves feel better really doesn’t make us feel better. Living a life less self-centered and more loving does make us feel better. This is a book I will reread (most I don’t). Recommendation - Read the conclusion first. It did take me a bit to get past the opening chapter and knowing where you are going would help with the start.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! Convicting without condemning. I felt like we were on a series of great friend coffee dates. Each of these 13 little sins are present in my own life and being able to recognize them is the first step to moving out of them. It’s also helpful to know I’m not alone in committing them. At least one other person falls short in these ways too, and although I’m not happy that we’re all fallen sinners, I am glad to have people walking with me on the journey.

[Terry Pellegrino · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book that goes over many sins that we commit day to day and excuse as just "part of our character"; such as gossiping, procrastination,spite, and my favorite griping. Too often in today's culture, we tend to comment on everything and everyone. Scalia makes a great case why this is detrimental to us as individuals, and for the larger Community. Recommend!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are serious about your spiritual life or your relationship with God, yourself, and others, read this book. It is written so that any Christian, not just Catholics, can take advantage. The author
lays bare her own sins and experiences for our benefit; and it benefitted me a lot. Thank you, Elizabeth Scalia!

[Elizabeth Warner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy read and informative. The author serves as a relatable narrator to any good Christian or Catholic, and weaves personal stories into faithful lessons that everyone can apply to live a more fruitful and virtuous life. Highly recommend!

[Marycarmen Knox · Rating 4 out of 5]

What are those little habits that numbs us from the bigger/badder things?

Elizabeth Scalia helps do a self-examination of our own bad habits, but showing us hers.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t think her text about each sin was remarkable, but the saint/Bible/catechism quotes at the end of each chapter were exceptional and the actions steps and prayers were also well worth reading.

[Anthea Piscarik · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reads like an extended blog, with some good points about our humanness. Enlightening at times.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little cheesy, but the writing style was an easy one to get engaged with the content. It was simplistic, but thoughtful and encouraged deeper thinking and reflection.

[Jose Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buen libro

I love it! Is something that i need to hear, fast and easy to read. In reality little sin matter because you matter, thank God for this book and the author honesty.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of food for thought. The author’s writing style makes a possibly uncomfortable subject an engrossing read.

[Catherine E. Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

life changing

Excellent exam of conscience and powerful practical means to overcome little sins that plague us and lead to our own unhappiness and grief.

[Joanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well organized book that offers much food for thought!

[Rocco Tarulli · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was a well written discussion on the nature of sins in one’s life.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it - pithy, practical, and introspective.

[Phoebe S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though I've read Catholic books that some might consider "better" or "heavier" reading, this book finds its way to the top of my list through its unassuming Little Way. Granted, it doesn't have the most gravitas or the most drama, but it's useful, accessible, and speaks to you in a way that touches your soul. Scalia is amazing at creating what feels like a conversation between you and her even though the book format seems intuitively one-sided.

I've already made some improvements in my life through following the suggestions in this book, and I am in all likelihood going to continue to use it as a resource. For a book about sin, it is imbued with so much joy, secure in the knowledge that Christ has triumphed but balancing that with the cultivation of self-awareness about the things we can still improve on so as to better be Christ to others. It is humble but not humiliating, tough but not merciless. In short, Scalia paints a picture of what Catholic behavior at its best can and should be, and why we sell ourselves (God's image) and God short when we commit these little sins.

[Danielle Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read from cover to cover. Great way to balance a serious topic with a whimsical narrative. Elizabeth Scalia has a good knack for this!

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recommend? Yes!

"Our little bad habits are multilayered, interconnected little sins, so quick to lead us from the grass into the weeds, and from the weeds into the swamplands." - Elizabeth Scalia in Little Sins Mean Alot, Page 129.

This book was worth reading. It's topic is very important as so often it is our small, bad habits that lead us to a large moral defeat! Each chapter focused on a sin in our modern day lives and tied what the Church, Bible, and saints have to say about that sin. At times, Scalia rambles about her own personal struggle or another's struggle with the sin, but overall I thought this was cleverly and creatively written. I hope to purchase it so I can return to a chapter for resolve when I find myself struggling with a particular sin.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Little Sins Mean a Lot" covers a baker’s dozen of minor bad habits that could become ingrained vices if not addressed: for instance, procrastination, passive aggression, gossip, self-neglect, suspicion, among others.

Little Sins is intensely personal; at times amusing, at times distressing, and always perceptive. As Scalia shares: “Writing this book has been a toothache of a process, mostly because it turned into–as I had predicted it would–a kind of mini-memoir, where I have been forced to confront myself.”

Read my entire review here:

http://readingcatholic.com/we-are-not...

[Melanie Rigney · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's easy to tell ourselves that being blunt, gossipy, whiny and the like is just part of who we are and as long as we're not "really" hurting other people, those small flaws aren't a big deal. But as Scalia posits, I believe they are... because they eat away at our souls and keep us from a fuller relationship with the Lord and our brothers and sisters. I enjoyed the author's vulnerability and voice. The book is a quick read that will keep you thinking about its message long after you're finished.