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Ruby, my Irish Setter puppy has a funny habit. Whenever I open the front door, so she can go outside, she insists on running around the back of the door to use the dog door, instead of exiting through the wide-open door. Every time she does this, I shake my head and laugh, as it confirms once again, that old habits are hard to break.
Habits are funny things. We tend to cling to them even when they're not good for us. There is something about a habit that brings us a sense of security. A habit is familiar. It has become part of who we are, it is an identifying mark in our lives, even if only for ourselves. Whereas change can be rather disconcerting, intimidating and difficult to put into effect.
As we read the Bible however, we discover that change is something that God is forever asking of His people. Shy Moses was called to become a leader of a nation. Fearful Gideon was picked to lead an army. Volatile and impulsive Peter was chosen to become Petros meaning rock, the stable one. The list goes on and on and it doesn't stop with Biblical characters, it includes all those who choose to follow Christ as Lord and Saviour. God expects us to change. He expects us to leave old habits behind which are no longer suitable for followers of Christ.
"You were taught, with regards to your former way of life, to put off you old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." (Ephesians 4:22-24 NIV)
Putting off the old self however, is not always an easy task. It can, if we allow it to, lead to discouragement. In fact, there are days when I wonder: Am a Christian at all, when after so many years of serving Christ, I still have thoughts, from time to time, especially when I am angry, that can be totally appalling and out of line with His will. Perhaps you too have such struggles.
The wonderful thing though, is that as we continue to rely upon God to transform and change us through His Holy Spirit, instead of trusting in our own strength to do it, that is exactly what He does. Day by day as we choose to keep our focus upon Him and obedience to His word, He renews us: Ungodly habits decrease and fall away as godly thoughts and behaviours take their place. (see 2 Corinthians 4:16).
Let us therefore take hope. For as God is our helper, all things are possible, including the breaking of old habits.
Prayer: Father God thank You that in Christ we are new creations and through the power of Your Holy Spirit we can put off our old self and be made new in the attitude of our minds. In Christ's name we pray. Amen.
Lynne Phipps
Tawatinaw, Alberta, Canada
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