By Kim Hubbard

Jealous heart

Since we are all part of the human race, we have inherited the sin of the first individuals God created. Because of our sin nature, we are separated from a holy and perfect God and are in need of a way back to our creator, so that our sins can be forgiven and we can experience eternal life with Him in Heaven and live a life filled with His Holy Spirit while on earth. God sent his one and only son, to shed his blood and be crucified on the cross to pay for our sins and when we accept his son's (Jesus Christ's) sacrifice as payment for our sins, we receive salvation. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:19 (N.I.V) This is a one time event that is known as salvation. Once we are saved from sin, we spend the rest of our earthly lives becoming more like our God and Creator and this is a process known as sanctification.

Becoming more like Christ involves no longer doing things that are part of our sinful nature and living our lives to please God. Some of the sins we need to get out of our life are sins that have become a routine part of our lifestyle and are what we call habitual sin. These can be habits developed before or after we have received Christ as our savior but they are sins we need to get out of our lives so that the Holy Spirit can work in us and through us to give us the life God planned for us and so we can be used to share the gospel. “To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness”. Ephesians 4:22-24 ESV

The following are some things I have used in my life to help break the habits that I know I have that fail to honor God:

1. Remember, I am not alone in this struggle

Even the Apostle Paul struggled with the process. He testifies of it in the following passage: It happens so regularly that it's predictable. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up. I truly delight in God's commands, but it' pretty obvious that not all of me joins in that delight. Parts of me covertly rebel, and just when I least expect it, they take charge. Romans 7:21-23 (MSG). Individuals tend to think of habitual sin in terms of stealing, lying, addictions to various substances and pornography. We tend to forget the habitual sins of coveting and gossiping. It would be hard to believe there is anyone who does not have to fight the temptation to commit some sin, on a regular basis. God sees all sin the same. God grades on a cross and not a curve.

2. Pray and ask God to remove the temptation
Remember God desires to help us in breaking the habit and wants us to live an abundant life. Study what the Bible says about prayer and try to commit this verse to memory: Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (MSG). Do not let time pass between the sin and a prayer asking God's forgiveness.

3. Feed on things that honor God
Remember that what we put in our minds is apt to affect our life. We need to make good choices in the music we listen to, the movies and TV shows we watch and the internet sites we visit. We are blessed to have Biblical sound media of various outlets. A good guide to what we should allow into our minds is listed in this passage: Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable if anything is excellent or praiseworthy think about such things. Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

4. Consider the consequences of continuing in the sin How is the sin effecting your relationship with God. Does it keep you from being filled with His Holy Spirit? Are you able to witness to others about the gospel of Christ or is the habit hindering that?

5. Consider how it is effecting your relationships. Could you handle losing contact with people you love who simply cannot tolerate your behavior under the influence of the substances? Consider things in the future that you want to be around to attend. If the habit continues, what toll will it take on your health and the chance of living to see that wedding, graduation etc. How will your loved ones feel if you are not there for the event?

6. Form relationships with others who struggle with the same sin or have overcome it
Remember that Satan does not want you to stop sinning and making you feel isolated is one of his tactics to keep you sinning. There are many Biblical based groups in most communities that are there to encourage you and pray for you. They also allow you to be in an environment where you can be open and comfortable to share your sin, without feeling judged. Find people in the group that will allow you to call them when you are tempted to sin and be that person for others in the same situation. If you are unable to find a group in the phone book, call local churches and ask where there might be groups. While substance abuse is typically what comes to mind in relationship to these groups, more groups such as gambling and pornography groups have formed also. Some groups are for ministering to more than one addiction. If one has a sin toward gossiping, then it is a good idea to seek out a Godly mentor who does not gossip and ask them to pray for and assist you in breaking the habit. God made us for one another and he makes that clear in scripture.

Christian brothers, if a person is found doing some sin, you who are stronger Christians should lead that one back into the right way. Do not be proud as you do it. Watch yourself, because you may be tempted also. Help each other in troubles and problems. This is the kind of law Christ asks us to obey. Galatians 6:1-2 (N.I.V)

Kim Hubbard
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