Breaking Habits

— Christopher Lawrence

 Habits. We all have ‘em; traits and practices that, over time, become part of our everyday routine. From that uncanny knack for eating a particular flavor of ice cream or candy, to getting up early for exercise: the things we do will affect us in one way or another.). Not just in the physical and literal sense, but also in the emotional, mental, and most importantly (the theme here being) the spiritual. 

Our focus today is on the not-so-good habits that we (yes I say “we” ’cause I’m guilty also) possess that can prevent the fullness of God’s blessings in and on our lives.

Laziness / Procrastination

Being lazy is a common practice which can be paired with procrastination. This is pretty self-explanatory, but I’m sure we’ve all been there. From things like making a deadline to something as simple as washing dishes, we like to put things off.

At times, spending time in God’s word seems more like a bore or a chore than everything else. We want the blessings, yet we’re not willing to put in the work and we all know where that ends up. Faith without works is as useless as watching paint dry. I’m just saying.

Being Ungrateful

Today’s world is fueled by misery and depression so it’s easy to fall into this habit. Rent and bills are (over)due, kids gotta eat but there’s no money, confusion everywhere you look, plus the recession; these are more than enough reasons right?

Start by thanking Him for the things you already have. Learn to be content regardless of your life’s content (see what I did there?). Even being alive to ENDURE these things is something to be grateful for; many did not wake up to see the light of day. I’m not trying to be morbid now, but it’s true. Pay close attention to Matthew 25:21.

Rebellion

Also known as “wanting or doing things YOUR way as opposed to His Will”. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying you can’t make decisions, but choosing to go against or outside His perfect will is gonna put you in problems. Delay is NOT denial but at the same time His blessings for us can be delayed due to our own disobedience. Rebellion is human nature, but now that we’re in Christ we gotta give it up for His alternative. It may be a hard pill to digest but we have to do it.

Negativity / Worry

I can’t stress on this enough. Practicing these will either keep you in circles or push you back. Way back. Yes, it’s a messed up world. Life isn’t fair and things may get much worse.

So what? (Yeah I said it)

No one adds a day to their lives or does anything productive by worrying (Matthew 6:27) and as a man thinks in his heart, so he is (Proverbs 23:7). It’s simple. What you put in, must come out. Save yourself from unnecessary stress and unwarranted grey hairs. Quit being negative and stop worrying.

These habits are just a few of the many that prevent us from experiencing the fullness of what He has for us. While those listed above are from my own experience, I’m certain you all can relate to them as well. Sure, He blesses us everyday which is great, but there is SO much more He wants to give to us.

God isn’t limited by the recession. He’s only limited to us because WE limit Him (another habit).

Getting rid of these bad habits will help us to live a life with a greater sense of purpose and fulfilment, I guarantee it. Most importantly, HE guarantees it. Also, evicting persons in your life who share these traits (or helping them to change) isn’t a bad idea either. In both cases, it’s much better for you. And yes, it’s definitely not easy to do, but it’s possible.

Congratulations. You’ve made it through the first 6 months of 2012. If you haven’t started living in the fullness of His blessings and favor yet… Now is the time.

Get it? Got it. Now get it DONE.