Breaking Habits (part 2)

In my last post I shared a bit about breaking habits, you can view that post here.

So how do we move from the old habits and into the new? 2 Cor. 5:17 in the Amplified version states, ‘If any man be in Christ he is a new creation (a new creature altogether)’ the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come!’ We are instantly changed, forgiven and sealed in spirit when we receive salvation. Peace is tangible as we realize our forgiveness, love washes, beckons and brings us close. Our minds, however, are an area we must work to renew daily.

The heart and mind are connected. This connection has everything to do with our words, intents and actions. ‘Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks’ Matthew 12:34, what we are putting into hearts overflows into daily life. When we make a choice to change a habit, especially the way we react to situations, people or pressure, the first place to store up is the heart, by putting the word in our eyes, hearing it with our ears and speaking it with our mouths. Next is the thought life. There are few habits more important than training our minds to think in line with the Word of God.

Philippians 4:8:
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue or if there be any praise, think on these things.

If we just stop here and really get this scripture in us, half the battle is over! If we can choose to filter life through this verse how great would we walk in love with one another. It takes work to swim upstream! It is so very easy to go along with the negativity around us. I encourage you to pick a few scriptures that speaks to your situation. It could be a verse on any topic, just find one that gives you strength and encouragement when life pressures you. Find several verses that cover that topic, whether self control, anger, fear, etc. and start getting them into your heart, retrain your thinking and watch how you can renew your mind with the ‘washing of the water of the word’ (Ephesians 5:26)!