Bad Habits (Part 6)

Bad Habits (Part 6)

2 Corinthians 3:18 "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord."


The scriptures teach us that change is a vital part of our development in Christ he process of change is a fundamental requirement for overcoming sinful habits.
Without change, our habits will continue to persist. However, change must be more than just attempting to stop practicing a sinful habit. Many attempt this form of change without lasting success.

Change must involve more than saying, "NO"!. Change isn't just a matter of willpower, human resolve, or sheer determination. It isn't turning over a new leaf or making bold promises to quit. Quitting is not change. This is only a half-way response which only provides half-way results. If this is all we do to change, our change will only be temporary.

Scriptural change involves a two-fold process: Real change isn't just stopping sinful habits, but replacing them with godly actions. Only when we begin to change our practices and relearn positive habits can we really achieve lasting victory.

Paul points out this two-fold process in Colossians 3:8.-10:

"But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;  And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him..."
He exhorts us to "put off" our old practices. He then encourages us to "put on the new man." 

This putting "off" is the negative side of change. This is important, but in itself, insufficient. We must also apply the positive side of change which involves the putting "on" of biblical alternatives. This is the key to successful change.

We must begin to restructure our lives according to the Word of God. We must change in the right directions.

Ephesians 5:18 says:

“And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; But be filled with the Spirit.”

This verse illustrates both the positive and negative side of change. Instead of allowing ourselves to be dominated by old habits, we should strive for the Holy Spirit to be the prevailing influence in our lives on a daily basis. When we are filled with His presence , we receive the necessary strength, support, and will power to successfully overcome the "lust of the flesh."

We must replace our old habits with constructive alternatives. Paul reveals some of the practical steps for accomplishing this Ephesians 5:19, 20:

"Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ..."