Habits
Romans 7:19 “For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do-this I keep on doing.”
The other day I received a notice that was troubling. I glanced down on my phone to see a report that I used my phone for over 3 hours that day. I know that some of that time was for work but when I looked deeper into the report it revealed that much of the time was used to browse newsfeeds, social media, and a certain golf game that has become a little addiction. The reality is that my cell phone was becoming a habit.
We all get trapped in habits from time to time. Even Paul knew what it felt like to be trapped in a habit that robbed his freedom. But there is a way to break free from the habits that hold us back. We first must admit the reality that we have lost control and that we are powerless to the addiction that has us. Some addictions numb us from our current reality. Others give us a buzz of excitement. If we want to break free we need to admit that we have lost control. Secondly, we need to admit the reality of our needs. Most habits are a response to a legitimate need. We don’t need a drink to relax at the end of a busy day but we do need to find healthy ways to relax and unwind. Thirdly we need to admit the price we are paying for the addiction that has us. My screen time addiction was causing me to miss critical hours with my wife and kids. There was a cost. Finally, we need to lock arms with others. If a habit has control of you today let someone you trust know. What is not revealed cannot be healed.
Take a few moments this weekend to examine your own life. Is there a subtle habit that has taken control of an area of your life? What is the cost?
Read about Paul’s struggle with an addictive habit and how he found freedom in Romans 7:14-8:2. And find freedom today for the habits that hold us back.
God Bless,
Mike