How can I
overcome a bad habit?
A bad habit
is usually connected to wrong beliefs
and attitudes. In wanting them
removed sometimes we have the wrong
motive!
We should
not want to change a habit only because
it is embarrassing, expensive, unhealthy,
or makes us feel guilty—
Rather
we should want to walk closer to the Lord
and desire God's greater purpose for our
life to be fulfilled.Until we deal
with the underlying wrong beliefs that
weaken our resistance to the bad habit,
we will have only limited success in
overcoming it.
The
Christian must see that bad habits are
ultimately spiritual issues. We
must not hesitate to call them sins.
And we need
to realize that the means of deliverence
(chiefly the Word of God and prayer) are
essential for overcoming such habits.
We are
responsible for our own sin--including
those sins "which so easily
beset us." The fact that we
do something wrong habitually does not
relieve us of responsibility. On the
contrary, it may make the sin all the
worse. So we must take personal
responsibility for our own habits and not
shrink from calling them sin.
Sinful
habits are not insurmountable problems
for the Christian. After all, the Holy
Spirit indwells us and is working to
conform us to the image of Christ. And if
God be for us, who can be against us? (Romans
8:31)
Furthermore,
Galatians 5:16 says This I say then, Walk
in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil
the lust of the flesh.
And 1
Corinthians 10:13 says There
hath no temptation taken you but such as
is common to man: but God is faithful,
who will not suffer you to be tempted
above that ye are able; but will with the
temptation also make a way to escape,
that ye may be able to bear it.
If we make
use of the resources provided by God
through His Spirit and His Word, we can
attack any habit knowing that we can win.
Let me make
some practical suggestions for overcoming
bad habits that I think you will find
helpful.
Over-Coming
Bad Habits
First
of all, remember that sin
begins in the mind. James 1:14-15
saysBut every man is tempted, when he is
drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
[15] Then when lust hath conceived, it
bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is
finished, bringeth forth death.
The person
who steals first thinks about the thing
he wants. He then thinks of a plan for
getting it. After he has schemed in his
mind, he takes it.He could have
stopped the sin in his mind before it
became completed in his action.
That's why
Scripture commands us to renew our
minds(Romans 12:2), to think about
good things(Philippians 4:8), and to meditate
on the Word(Psalm 1:2), and to cast
down evil imaginations (2 Cor. 10:5).
SECONDLY
Defeating a habit also requires changes
in lifestyle.
We are to
make no provision for the flesh(Romans 13:14).
The person who wants to stop smoking
should throw away all his cigarettes and
not buy any more;
The
person struggling with sexual sin
should get rid of any suggestive
materials in his possession. Avoid the
company of those who have the same
problem, and avoid the places and
circumstances which tempt you. 1
Cor. 15:33 Be not deceived: evil
communications corrupt good manners.
Finally,
don't try to battle a bad habit
alone.
Develop
relationships with more mature Christians
who will encourage and support you and
also make you accountableGalatians
6:2 Bear ye one another's
burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
Spend
time in prayer with them. Ask
them to "check up on you"
regularly, and be honest about
your failures James 5:16
Confess your faults one to another, and
pray one for another, that ye may be
healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a
righteous man availeth much.
Biblical
changeis not just turning
away from sin; it is
turning toward righteousness.
The
person who lies must speak the truth Ephes.
4:25 Wherefore putting away
lying, speak every man truth with his
neighbour: for we are members one of
another.
The one
who steals must not only stop stealing,
he must work and give to others Ephes.
4:28Let him that stole steal no
more: but rather let him labour, working
with his hands the thing which is good,
that he may have to give to him that
needeth.
The one
whose language is unwholesome must learn
to edify others Ephes. 4:29Let
no corrupt communication proceed out of
your mouth, but that which is good to the
use of edifying, that it may minister
grace unto the hearers.
start
doing what is right. The good
habits you build will replace the sinful
ones.
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