Old Habits DIE HARD!

It is said that old habits die hard. I can attest to that, because it took me a while once I became a Christian, to cull out old habits that were not godly. I had a new spirit, a new identity and I did not want the old one showing up anymore. 

We often build our identities around our defects. We say, “It’s just like me to be ...” and “It’s just the way I am.” Is it? Often statements like this are just an excuse to refuse to let go of your habit, your hurt, or your hang-up - and is marking you for who you are. Bad habits slow down your spiritual growth and deceive us into thinking we're changing when we're not.  Paul wrote "You were told that your foolish desires will destroy you and that you must give up your old way of life with all its bad habits.  Let the Spirit change your way of thinking and make you into a new person. You were created to be like God, and so you must please him and be truly holy. (Eph 4:22-24)." 

It is only when God is allowed to shine the light of his truth on our faults, failures, and hang-ups can we begin to work on them. This growth cannot happen unless and until we develop a humble, teachable spirit.  Godly habits take time to develop and your character is the sum total of your habits. You can’t claim to have integrity unless it is your habit to always be honest - including being honest with yourself.  Paul wrote to Timothy, "Be careful about the way you live and about what you teach. Keep on doing this, and you will save not only yourself, but the people who hear you. (1Tim. 4:16)." 

Your habits define your character and who you are. Developing a Christlike character means that I must cultivate good habits, and practice them — and that takes time sometimes even years or a lifetime!  James wrote, "But you must never stop looking at the perfect law that sets you free. God will bless you in everything you do, if you listen and obey, and don't just hear and forget. (Jas 1:25)."  In doing so, we develop character and spirit building traits. Peter wrote, "Do your best to improve your faith. You can do this by adding goodness, understanding, self-control, patience, devotion to God, concern for others, and love. If you keep growing in this way, it will show that what you know about our Lord Jesus Christ has made your lives useful and meaningful. (2 Pet.1:5-8)." 

• What spiritual habits do you need to practice more intentionally?
• Many people are aware of their strengths. Are you equally aware of your weaknesses?
• What are you doing today to improve your spiritual habits?

Jim