Breaking a bad habit can often prove to be difficult when we try to do it the wrong way. Have you ever tried breaking one only to find that it's back, worse than ever before?
Our efforts to change bad habits have to include renewing our minds. We have to realise that habits are only outward manifestations of what we think or believe in. For example, a person who is impatient will tend to cut queues, while a person who thinks it's "better late than never" will most likely be late once in a while.
Romans 12:2 tells us, "[d]o not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
As Christians, our goal is to be more like Christ, and this process starts with the renewing of our mind.
Bad habits can be replaced with new Godly habits. How? Here are some things you can do:
1) Soak yourself in the Word of God
The Word of God is the ultimate key in renewing our minds. As we soak ourselves in God's Word, we will find our thoughts changing and becoming more conforming to His character.
Psalm 119:9-11 says, "How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you."
2) Say "No" to wrong habits by God's grace
You need to decide to change your habits, but you'll need the help of God to be successful in doing so. Change can only come by the grace of God.
Titus 2:11-12 says, "For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age."
3) Choose to honour God with all that you are
Did you know that Christ has already bought you with His blood, and that His Holy Spirit resides in you? Realise that you can honour Him by offering yourself to Him and not to sin.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 tells us, "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honour God with your bodies."
