Self-Discipline
Part two
“Habits”
Romans 7:15 “For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do.” (NKJV)
A habit is a routine of a person’s behavior that is repeated on a regular basis. Habits occur subconsciously, and are done without having to give thought to or think about.
There are basically two kinds of habits; good habits and bad habits. Because habits can become second nature and compulsory, a person may feel uncomfortable when they don’t do it.
Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.” (NKJV)
Habits can be taught. Parents teach their children to look both ways before crossing the street or washing their hands regularly, especially before eating. Once the habit has been taught, the child will do it without thinking.
Adults can teach other adults habits also. Personal trainers try to teach good eating and exercise habits to encourage a healthy life style, along with managing their weight.
The apostle Paul wrote “for what I am doing I don’t understand”. A large percentage of our daily behaviors are done out of habit. Old habits can be hard to change or break, and new habits can be hard to form because of behavioral patterns that are repeated without thinking.
A person’s habits will play an important part in someone’s life when they have the desire for good self-discipline.
In last week’s post on self-discipline, the topic was “Your thoughts and way of thinking”. If a habit is going to be stopped or changed, that person is going to have to change their way of thinking.
One may ask the question “What would I have to do to change my way of thinking so that it will help me with stopping a bad habit, and starting a good habit?”
Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (NKJV)
When a person realizes that the behavior they want to change is a habit, makes the connection with Jesus for the strength that will be given, that person will be able to use self-discipline to control their habits.
Lord Jesus, give us the strength to apply the needed self-discipline to stop bad habits and start good habits, in Jesus name…Amen!
Next weeks post
Part three of the series Self-discipline
Temptation
Continuing in His service…Rev
