Welcome to Wednesday, August 18th!

Today’s episode of The Cross Talk Daily Devotional is titled:

What Are Your Habits?

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Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995}

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What Are Your Habits?

Last week, I received an email from a friend which included the following statement.

Habits inform, shape, and expose what we love.

We have been engaging in an online discussion over various topics. Since we are both pastors, we are concerned about the habits our people form and adhere to in their lives.

He included Ephesians 4:22-24 as part of the discussion.

Ephesians 4:22-24 NAS95

That, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit,  [23]  and that you be renewed in the Spirit of your mind,  [24]  and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.

The believer is to walk in Christ. He is not to walk as men walk. What are we to do according to these verses?

• We are to lay aside the old self.
• We are to be renewed in the Spirit of our mind.
• We are to put on the new self.

If someone took the time to analyze my life or yours, what would our habits tell them about us?

His statement really got me thinking about my own life. We all tend to view our habits as only a good thing in our lives. That's not always true, is it?

Habits such as bathing, brushing our teeth, and combing our hair are valuable and good habits.

However, habits such as using foul language, being rude, and being prone to anger are not.

Just to be clear, what is a habit?

A habit is an action that is now a regular practice in our lives, often done without any conscious thought.

The word addiction is even sometimes associated with the word habit. For example, a person who is addicted to a drug has a habit.

The last phrase of his statement made me think especially. Perhaps it will do the same for you.

Expose What We Love

The habit of reading, studying, and applying God's Word to our lives would indicate what and whom we love. However, the absence of such a practice would also show what we love.

Spending time in prayer or not spending time in prayer would show the same.

Would a habit analysis of my life show that I love the world more than I love the Lord? How about you? What would such an evaluation show in your life?

Though our progressive sanctification is just that, a progression over time, we are to strive to put off our old self with the help of the Holy Spirit. Habits that are contrary to the things of the Spirit have no place in our lives.

Not only is it good for us to get rid of harmful and sinful habits, but it is also good for others so that we do not present a bad example for them.

Ask the Lord for help in weeding out the bad habits of your life. He will provide the strength to be rid of them and to begin new profitable practices.

Let's Pray,

Gracious Heavenly Father,

We all struggle with bad habits in our lives.

May we, with Your help, be rid of these habits that are damaging our faith relationship with You.

Help us to engage in profitable habits and practices.

In the Name of Jesus,

Amen!