Psalm 119:9 "How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to your word."
The Word provides an effective source of cleansing for our old ways. In referring to God’s desire for His church, Paul stated,
Ephesians 5:26 "That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word."
The Word is a cleansing agent for our thoughts, desires, and inclinations.We should carefully consider those scriptural passages which have a specific bearing upon the need for godly change and His provision for help. If we will meditate upon God’s Word and take heed to His counsel, it will gradually begin the process of cleansing our ways and purifying our habits.
1 Corinthians 9:27 "But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified."
We must exercise a firm hand in disciplining our sinful habits. The tendency to participate with our old ways must be confronted and suppressed. If we allow our minds to fantasize, flirt with or entertain the possible justification of our sinful habits, we will suffer defeat.
Victory depends upon decisive action. When we are tempted to continue a sinful habit, we must challenge the desire with the Word of God. The temptation should also serve as a warning signal to drive us to the Lord in prayer. Our determination to promptly confront our habits when they arise is an effective safeguard against failure.
The scriptures reveal the destructive power of wrong relationships:
1 Corinthians 15:33 NIV "Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character."
Harmful relationships only reinforce sinful habits. Old friendships and associates can be a destructive influence. Our old hangouts can also create compromising situations for those endeavoring to overcome sinful habits.
This fact demands a godly alternative. We must terminate those associations which hinder us and surround ourselves with healthy relationships which reinforce godliness. We must strengthen the ties of Christian fellowship and center our activities around the church.
Proverbs 24:16 says:
"A just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again."
In the process of striving for victory, we may occasionally fall short; however, we must rise up and continue to press on. We must persevere in order to achieve victory. We must not allow our failures to discourage, frustrate, or disillusion us. They must not cause us to give up. It takes time to re-establish godly alternatives. There is no such thing as instant success. It takes about 30 days to relearn a godly habit. Therefore, persistence and determination are essential.
We must never entertain a spirit of quitting or defeat. We must press on in the confidence that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us!
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