Replace Old Habits With New Ones by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome

So get rid of every filthy habit and all wicked conduct. Submit to God and accept the word that he plants in your hearts, which is able to save you (James 1:21 GNB).

People aren’t born with habits. The reason they’re called habits is because they’re things you do repeatedly under similar circumstances. Habits are acquired—they’re learned—and so the best way to get rid of them is to unlearn them. For example, if you’ve formed a habit of saying the wrong things, you have to learn a new habit of consciously speaking wholesome, gracious, and faith-filled words. The next time you say those wrong words, you tell yourself: “I shouldn’t be saying that.” By so doing, you’re putting a check in your spirit.

If you have a habit of thinking wrong thoughts, you can change it. When those thoughts come to you, you say, “I’m not supposed to think like this.” Observe an important principle here: to change a habit, you not only have to make a decision in your heart; you have to voice it. Remember that the power to control all of your person—your spirit, soul, and body—is in your mouth. So voice your faith; voice your decisions. The power is in your tongue.

If there’s any wrong habit you wish to change, first recognise that the habit isn’t good. Secondly, make the decision to stop it. Thirdly, say, “I’m going to stop this and I’m stopping it now!” When you say that, you begin your process, because faith without works—corresponding action—is dead. Your corresponding action will be to repeatedly check this thing that you’ve been doing by refusing to do it again, and voicing your faith against it.

Some researchers say you form a habit when you do something consistently for six times or more. Imagine that; only six times, and it’s like you were born with it. That means if you practised stopping it and refusing it six times, you’ll develop a new habit. This shows that it involves some work. A new habit wouldn’t drop on you; you’ll have to acquire it. Replace old bad habits with new good ones.

CONFESSION The Word of God influences and dominates my thoughts. It produces in me the ability to do right at all times. The world and its negative forces can’t influence my thoughts, because my life is a reflection of the beauty and excellence of Christ! I think only those thoughts that bring Him glory, honour and praise. Blessed be God!

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Acts 7:54-8:1-8
2 Chronicles 31-32

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Luke 2:8-20
Deuteronomy 16

FURTHER STUDY:
Ephesians 4:22-24
Colossians 3:8-10
Philippians 4:8-9