How to break a habit

Everyone has habits that they are wanting to change. It could be eating too much, sleeping late, getting angry, gossipping or For many of us, this desire to change often results... in no results. Here are a few pointers regarding how to break a habit. Of course, with all lasting change, you need to go to the handbook of life written by the Maker so no apology is made for using scriptural references.

1. The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat - Proverbs 13:4 It's so true. Many of us don't realise it but we are full of desires. We want to change this and that about ourselves, we want to make the world a better place, we want a better life - but if we just sit there and want, we will never get anything. If you want to change a habit (or form a good one), you need to be diligent and sincere about wanting change.

2. Recognise that any form of good change will be deliberate and uncomfortable. This is expected because a habit is what comes naturally for you. That's why it's called a habit. An example is writing with your other hand - every letter and word needs to be deliberately and uncomfortably worked out. Change will be uncomfortable so dont let the discomfort stop you from seeking change.

3. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. - Psalms 119:9 The power to change comes from God. Memorise and apply verses from the Bible which promise you that God will give you grace to overcome.

4. Look at the precipitating or preceding factors that lead you into the habit. What thoughts do you have just before? Dissatisfaction? A perceived "need"? If you see a trend of thoughts or events that always lead you to give in, you may want to consider changing your circumstances to avoid that precipitating event.

A story goes like this: A man walked out of his house and fell into a hole. A man walked down the street, saw a hole and fell into the hole. A man walked down the street, saw the hole, thought about the hole and fell into the hole. A man walked down the street, saw the hole, walked around the hole and fell into the hole. A man walked down another street.

5. Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you (God), than he that is in the world. - 1 John 4:4. Recognise that no habit or addiction is permanent. All habits were learned and can be overcome.

6. And most importantly... you need to be a Christian to be able to overcome anything in a Biblical way. You may struggle with the habit that you have but realise this, that the most important thing in the world for you is that you can't overcome anything on your own. God sent Jesus Christ to die on the cross as payment for your sins. That way, if you call on God to forgive you, since your sins have been paid for, he can forgive you without violating his justice and holiness.

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. - Romans 10:13