“Set Free from Harmful Habits”

Have you ever overcome a bad habit only to have it boomerang and take possession of you again?  Perhaps you tried dieting and losing weight, tried to stop swearing, or thinking bad thoughts.

To assume that your habit will never be conquered is to flatly repudiate the precept and example of our Lord.  In every situation Jesus saw the possibility of change. 

The writer of Proverbs gave this insight on change, “For as a person thinks in his heart, so he becomes.” Proverbs 23:7 If we change our thoughts-- what we think about -- we can change our behavior.  “Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts.” Proverbs 4:23

The Apostle Paul tells us how to focus our thoughts. “Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right.  Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable.  Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”  Philippians 4:8

Change is a matter of choice.  With God's help we can experience a renewing of our mind.  Romans 12:2, “Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.  Then you will know what God wants you to do and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect His will really is.”

Daily reading, studying and meditating on God's Word will help you to begin to think God thoughts.  God thoughts will transform stinking thinking and bad thinking into “God Can” thinking.  “For with God all things are possible.”  Luke 1:37 

You meditate on God's Word by making personal application of the scripture you are reading.  You ask yourself: “How does this verse apply to my life?”    “How can I apply the teaching of this verse to my life?”

You have the promise that God's Word will change your thoughts and enrich your life.  “Let God's Word enrich your life…”  Colossians 3:16.  Change your thoughts and you will change your behavior.