changing the bad habits
Anyone else have a really bad habit of biting their nails or picking at their fingers?
Maybe you have a habit of scrolling on tiktok for hours each day, or always being on instagram. Not to say that something like that can be a bad habit, but it certainly can become one!
It can be easier to realize when we have been scrolling for a while, than realizing we have been picking at our fingers. I say this because, sometimes it comes down to a choice. Before you begin biting your nails, do you ever think, “should I do this?” or do you just do it. Normally, we just do it. It becomes a habit for when we are anxious or need something to fidget with.
That can be the opposite of what happens with something like our phone. Most of the time, when we are bored we may think, “hm.. what should I do?”, and then maybe 2 ideas pop into your head.
It's usually the choice between the more productive one and the “scroll on your phone” one.
The habit I want to use for example is the one that took me the longest to change - WARNING: you may become very conflicted when I bring this up.
Does, bible vs. phone sound familiar?
Is reading your bible a habit you struggle with?
I remember when it came down to the choice between my bible and my phone for entertainment. Obviously, I always wanted to immediately grab my phone and look through the new tiktok trends. It wasn’t until I realized what that was doing to my relationship with Christ and my overall health that made me want to change.
You may be in the same position. One where you are struggling with this bad habit you don’t know how to change.
I want to ask you 3 questions that I had to ask myself:
What is this habit doing to my relationship with Jesus?
What is this habit doing to my relationship with the people around me?
What is this habit doing to me and my health?
Now, if those answers aren't things you want to hear yourself say and you want to change, let me help you.
I thought about 3 steps that you can take to make the change! Follow along and complete each step the best you can!
Acknowledge:
Is your habit running straight to your phone and excusing God's word? Is your habit making up excuses for why you can’t read the word and saying “I'll do it tomorrow” and then it's the same cycle? Is your habit forgetting?
Acknowledge the area you want changed. Acknowledge what it is you are struggling to complete and instead of saying “its not that bad”, make yourself realize that maybe it is.
Know the plan:
Let's plan it out. What can you do to change that habit? Should you set a reminder to read your bible? Should you delete the apps that are getting you away from God? (Just for a bit!) Should you block out time where there are no excuses for your time with God? Figure out the plan and don’t let anything be in the way of making it happen!
Time for the change:
No excuses now! Change the habit! God is ready for you to walk in new life with Him and that only comes from seeking Him first! God has given you the strength to do this. It may not be easy, but it is so worth it! Be bold and stand firm in your faith. It is time for the change and I know you can make it!
I believe in you. I believe that this change can be made. I believe that you are able to do what seems impossible. Actually, I know! There is a God who can make all things possible.
He is so ready for you. He wants you! He loves you! He chose you!
It's time for you to choose Him too.
You got this!
