31 Days of Joy: Make a Commitment to Change a Bad Habit

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit."

- Aristotle

Make a commitment

to change a bad habit.

We all have habits, both good and bad. Anything you do automatically without consciously thinking about it, or without specifically deciding to do it, is a habit. Good habits such as tidiness, courtesy, good manners etc. are great practices to continue - but when the habits you've picked up are bad or destructive, we must ask God for help to change before these habits one day ruin our lives. There are many bad habits that we have that are more subtle than others, but are as unacceptable as talking dirty, using tobacco or abusing alcohol. Some people have the bad habit of wanting their own way all the time, or continually talking bad about others. We should not just want to change a habit only because it is embarrassing, expensive, unhealthy, or makes us feel guilty - instead, we should want God's greater purpose for our life to be fulfilled. God does not want you to be controlled by or addicted to anyone or anything; He has given you freedom! The first step is to make up your mind and make a commitment to get rid of the bad habit. The second step is to do it! Defeating a habit requires changes in lifestyle. We are to make no provision for the flesh. The person who wants to stop smoking should throw away all his cigarettes and not buy any more; the person struggling with sexual sin should get rid of any suggestive materials in his possession. Avoid the company of those who have the same problem. Make up in your mind that you will change - then do it.

Focus Scriptures:

Galatians 5:16

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

1 Corinthians 10:13

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Romans 13:14

But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Joy in Action Today:

What bad habit do you need to overcome to experience freedom? Pray daily and ask God to strengthen you as you work to quit your bad habits.