Replacing Habits

We seem to be creatures of habit. I have often heard the phrase, "Practice makes Perfect." In reality practice only makes the action, whether correct or incorrect, a consistent part of our life. The practices become automatic. They become so reflexive that we become unaware that they are a part of our daily actions.

Many people, when they hear the word habit immediately think of ones that are bad. The context of the words "bad habit" denotes a wide range of negative behavior. A negative habit is anything that inhibits Christian growth. Usually omitting growth leads us to offend others, but most definitely puts us in the position as an offender of God. Bad habits rob us of positive energy for negative results. As we surrender all to Jesus, we must conclude that our habits are a part of that.

The Scripture calls on us to "walk in newness of life." (Rom.6:4) The newness incorporates a change in us, which moves us from anything which is negative to those things that are positive. Changes are sometimes difficult but possible. God will work through us to bring our lives into line with what pleases Him, and benefits us.

When we’re thinking about changing to good habits, we need to remember these eight things.

1. We need to commit our life to Jesus Christ or reexamine our commitment to Jesus Christ. (Rom. 13:14)

2. We need to understand that we can change because we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. (Phil. 4:13)

3. We need to be specific and identify the non-glorifying habit(s) that needs to be changed. Remember the cures are neither instantaneous nor easy. (Rom. 7:24)

4. We need to confess our bad habit(s) to the Lord as sin and ask for His forgiveness. (1 John 1:9)

5. We need to choose to take a stand with God. (Josh.24:15)

6. We need to replace bad habits with good principles. (Eph. 4:20-32)

7. We need to make it a daily habit to read the Bible, memorize Scripture, and pray. (2 Tim. 2:15)

8. We need to develop a buddy system or accountability group to help us stay focused. (Prov. 21:17, Eccl. 4:12)

We are told that it takes 21 days to instill a good habit into our lives. Let’s do an inventory and begin to replace those habits in our lives which don’t bring God the highest glory to ones which will bring Him the glory. We already know that whatever brings God the greatest glory in and through our lives, brings us the highest good.

Striving to do better because I want to give Him Glory!