The beginning of the new year is a time when many people make resolutions to turn over a new leaf. Often, resolutions are aimed at breaking a bad habit like shed unwanted pounds, get organized or save money. All too often, resolutions fall by the wayside soon after the new year begins.
Humans tend to be creatures of habit. The word habit can have a negative connotation. However, there are both good and bad habits. Maybe you’re in the habit of heading straight for a cup of coffee first thing in the morning to jumpstart your day. Perhaps you check your emails, texts, or social media constantly throughout the day. Habits are revealed when life puts the squeeze on you. When under stress do you head to the gym or go for a walk to work off the stress, or do you reach for a cigarette or bowl of ice cream? When God opens a door of opportunity, do you fall into the habit of telling God what you are not capable of doing?
Habits are powerful because they can make or break you. Bad habits eventually take a toll on your physical and emotional health, finances, relationships with others and God. Instead of turning to God in times of stress and adversity, do you resort to a habitual tendency like eating, shopping, or sleeping? To walk in promise, you must master your negative habits. Although lifelong habits are particularly difficult to break, there is no habit you cannot overcome. You have the power of God’s grace to overcome every debilitating practice. Refuse to give up or give in when the going gets tough. Perseverance and endurance are in order in times of tests and trials.
All of us have bad habits, whether its procrastination, habitual lateness, complaining, gossiping or whatever your habits may be. Success in life is dictated by your ability to manage your negative habits. I Corinthians 9:25 indicates those who compete in a game must be disciplined. Winning takes work. Champion athletes develop habits that promote winning. Like athletes, Christians must be disciplined in their walk with the Lord. Discipline fosters the perseverance and endurance needed to triumph in the face of adversity and cultivates obedience to God.
Bad habits can be unlearned. How do you break a harmful habit? It must be replaced with a healthy, more productive habit. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal and help you break your debilitating habits. Adopt the habits of daily prayer, reading and studying your Bible, fasting, praise and worship. Build a habit of gratitude. There’s always something to be thankful for. Embrace habits that develop perseverance and endurance to fortify your relationship with God and live a victorious life.
Until next time…Be blessed!
Rev. Cynthia Jackson, Rhema Inspirations
Rev. Cynthia Jackson is the administrator of the Rhema4U Blog and Innovations Ministries Director. Rev. Jackson is a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was licensed and ordained under the tutelage of Bishop David G. Evans. She is an associate minister at Bethany Baptist Church located in Lindenwold, New Jersey. Rev. Jackson founded Innovations Ministries in 2001. Innovations Ministries provides dynamic and innovative programs and services for individuals and families dealing with various health-related issues. She is a gifted teacher, preacher, conference speaker and writer. God has anointed Rev. Jackson to be a spiritual midwife with a passion to empower others to birth God's vision for their lives. Rev. Jackson holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Organizational Management from Eastern University, a Master of Science Degree in Health Administration from Saint Joseph's University and a Master of Science Degree in Christian Counseling from Cairn University.
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