Replace Old Habits With New Ones
So get rid of every filthy habit and all wicked
conduct. Submit to God and accept the word that
he plants in your hearts, which is able to save you
(James 1:21 GNB).
People aren’t born with habits. The reason
they’re called habits is because they’re things
you do repeatedly under similar circumstances. Habits
are acquired—they’re learned—and so the best way
to get rid of them is to unlearn them. For example,
if you’ve formed a habit of saying the wrong things,
you have to learn a new habit of consciously speaking
wholesome, gracious, and faith-filled words. The next
time you say those wrong words, you tell yourself: “I
shouldn’t be saying that.” By so doing, you’re putting
a check in your spirit.
If you have a habit of thinking wrong thoughts, you
can change it. When those thoughts come to you, you
say, “I’m not supposed to think like this.” Observe an
important principle here: to change a habit, you not
only have to make a decision in your heart; you have
to voice it. Remember that the power to control all
of your person—your spirit, soul, and body—is in your
mouth. So voice your faith; voice your decisions. The
power is in your tongue.
If there’s any wrong habit you wish to change, first
recognise that the habit isnt good. Secondly, make
the decision to stop it. Thirdly, say, “I’m going to stop
this and I’m stopping it now!” When you say that, you
begin your process, because faith without works—
corresponding action—is dead. Your corresponding
action will be to repeatedly check this thing that you’ve
been doing by refusing to do it again, and voicing your
faith against it.
Some researchers say you form a habit when
you do something consistently for six times or more.
Imagine that; only six times, and it’s like you were
born with it. That means if you practised stopping it
and refusing it six times, you’ll develop a new habit.
This shows that it involves some work. A new habit
wouldn’t drop on you; you’ll have to acquire it. Replace
old bad habits with new good ones.
Confession
The Word of God influences and dominates my thoughts.
It produces in me the ability to do right at all times.
The world and its negative forces can’t influence
my thoughts, because my life is a reflection of the beauty and
excellence of Christ! I think only those thoughts that bring Him
glory, honour and praise. Blessed be God!
Further study:
Ephesians 4:22-24; Colossians 3:8-10; Philippians 4:8-9
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Acts 7:54-8:1-8
2 Chronicles 31-32
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Luke 2:8-20
Deuteronomy 16