KEY VERSE: a time to break down and a time to build up Ecclesiastes 3:3b

Did you know that we can break bad habits in the name of Jesus? Yes, a bad habit is a negative behavior pattern. Common examples include procrastination, overspending, and nail-biting. Engaging in negative self-talk is another common habit we must break if we have it.

Failing in life makes you think you are a failure and will never do any good. The life of Moses teaches us that we can rise above that negative mindset and break the negative chain.

“Procrastination is the thief of time” -Charles Dickens.

“Procrastination is the grave in which opportunity is buried”- author unknown.

“Action will destroy your procrastination.” Og Mandino

The cure to procrastination is to build a new habit. God has given us the power to walk away from unhealthy relationships as soon as we identify them. Living in a toxic community and making excuses for them is another way we encourage evil. Samson had enough time to walk away from Delilah and the Philistines, but he kept postponing action.

But his father and mother said to him, “Is there no woman among the daughters of your relatives, or among all our people, that you must go to take a wife from the uncircumcised (pagan) Philistines?” And Samson said to his father, “Get her for me because she looks pleasing to me.” Judges 14:3(AMP)

So be careful how you act; these are difficult days. Don’t be fools; be wise: make the most of every opportunity you have for doing good. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but try to find out and do whatever the Lord wants you to. Ephesians 5:15-17(TLB)

Foolishness is behind bad habits, and it takes wisdom to take advantage of opportunities. Now is the time to build new prayer habits, study the bible, share your faith with others and make your bed. One principle to guide us is to ask, what would Jesus do? Knowing the will of God and taking action is the way to overcome bad habits.

The next morning he was up long before daybreak and went out alone into the wilderness to pray. Mark 1:35 (TLB)

Building a habit requires planning, just like building a house. We can’t just start something because someone is doing it. Jesus taught his disciples to count the cost, similar to SWOT analysis in business. Sometimes we need help to break certain bad habits; let us look around us for someone strong in the areas where we are weak. Partner with them in your pursuit to build good habits bearing in mind there is a right time to do it.

“But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first getting estimates and then checking to see if he has enough money to pay the bills? Luke 14:28(TLB)

Bad habits are why many marriages fail, and business relationships don’t last. Today, we can take stock of habits that need to break and new ones to build. There are several promises God has made to assure us of victory. You can say confidently, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

for I can do everything, God asks me to with the help of Christ, who gives me the strength and power. Phillippians 4:13(TLB)

Prayer
Father, thank you for giving us the power to do everything you want us to do. Please give me the willingness to work with the Holy Spirit to build good habits in this new season in Jesus’ name. Amen

Pastor Ada

Photo by Drew Beamer on Unsplash