The Problem with Habits…
From all the books that are out on the topic, we should know by now that habits can make you or break you—bad habits can wreak havoc on your life, while good habits can make you effective and successful. The problem, as everyone knows, is that bad habits are really hard to break and good habits are really hard to sustain. How do you do both?
“Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” -Romans 13:14
“You are not born with your habits—you weave them and wear them. Your habits can be the rags of self-centered addictions or the robes of Christ-centered self-control.” -June Hunt
Q: “How do I know if I have a destructive habit or a hidden addiction that is not consistent with God’s will?”
Desire to be accountable before God, and take an honest appraisal of your life. Ask yourself whether you have any habits or desires that would cause you to answer yes to the following questions:
The Compulsive Checklist:
- Are my thoughts consumed with it?
- Is my time scheduled around it?
- Could my health be harmed by it?
- Does my guilt increase following it?
- Are my finances affected by it?
- Am I defensive when asked about it?
- Are my relationships hurt by it?
- Am I upset when I can’t do it?
“Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” -Psalm 139:23–24
Key Verse to Memorize
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” -Philippians 4:13
Key Passage to Read and Reread
Click here for the PDF version of the complete Habits Resource Guide provided by Hope for the Heart.