8 Bad Habits and What You Can Do About Them

 

8 Bad Habits and What You Can Do About Them

by Olga Hermans

 

Would you say “YES” to the following statement? “We are created by God for progress, accomplishment and fruit bearing”. Ok, so if we want to be sure we are being fruitful and passionately pursuing our purpose, we might have to take a serious look at our lives. It is possible that you and I are doing things that are not doing us or anyone else any good at all. I have discovered some things which I will share with you, but you can probably add to the list and please do so in the comment section; I can’t wait to read what you have to share. On the other hand this might not be a list that you would expect such as the habit of smoking or overeating and so forth, but it nevertheless is an important list and I hope that you will add your habit in the comments, ok?

So, here we go:

1. Worry is a bad habit

Why? Because it is a waste of time. Jesus told us not to worry because it does no good. (Matt 6:34) There are many things in life we cannot do anything about, but God can. Worrying does not move the hand of God, but faith does. When you exchange your worry for trusting God; you will see progress. The next time you are tempted to worry, just remind yourself it won’t do you or anyone else any good.

After all, it is hard to be passionate about your purpose and worry. Worry slows down your drive and puts roadblocks up in front of your determination. So, why do it?

2. Guilt is a bad habit.

We are going to make mistakes, and to be honest, if we wanted to, we could waste every day of our lives feeling guilty about yesterday. But we don’t have to, because Jesus bore our sins on the cross. He paid for them so we might live free from the tyranny of them.

Perhaps you need a new attitude toward guilt, and a new way of looking at it. Do you feel obligated to feel guilty when you make mistakes? If so, you need a new attitude. Our attitude is what feeds our feelings. Many people say they cannot help feeling guilty. We as human beings make mistakes; that is precisely why we need a Saviour.

3. Trying to change everything is impossible, so it is a bad habit

When you try to change what only God can change is a waste of energy. There is an old saying that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. Isn’t that how we approach life sometimes?

We know that ultimately it is up to God to work something out; yet we continue struggling and try to do something that only God can do.
I have tried to change my husband, it has not worked so far. So why would I want to struggle with it any longer? God is the only one that can change him, or is it me who needs to change? Have you been there?

4. Complaining is one of those bad habits that we have

Most of us have a tendency to complain each time something displeases or upsets us. It might be a great miracle of God if we get through one complete day without complaining about anything or murmuring in our hearts. Let me tell you that nothing positive will ever come from it. What it does is that it creates a negative atmosphere where the devil finds opportunity to work.

I am actually pretty sure that grumbling, fault-finding and complaining open a door for the devil to bring destruction into our lives.
The whole world seems to be complaining about something, but each of us can make the decision to set a different and more positive example. If you cannot change something, then change the way you think about it, but don’t complain about it.

5. Anger…isn’t that a bad habit?

Anger is very dangerous; do you realize that it is one letter short of danger? I have heard a minister say once that refusing to be angry gives you back your life. Being angry and bitter doesn’t hurt your enemies but it does hurt you. They are probably out having a good time while you are sitting at home upset.

The world is becoming filled with more and more angry people all the time. In Vancouver, they lost a hockey game and all hell broke loose – looting, burning, destruction and you name it. Patience and long-suffering are character traits we don’t see very often any more, but we need to.

Anger is an emotion that will surface from time to time, but Jesus said not to let the sun go down on our anger. The longer we keep anger, the more opportunity it has to take root in our lives and choke the life out of us.

You might be angry at God, yourself or someone else, but it is time to give it up. Anger is useless. It doesn’t change anything except you, and not for the better. Make a quality choice today like that minister said: “refusing to be angry gives you back you back your life”.

Pastor Billy Joe always said: “don’t get bitter and you will get better”!

6. Fear is also one of those bad habits we make

Fear can actually steal your destiny. Anyone who lives in fear will never fulfill God’s purpose for their lives. Fear hinders progress and that is exactly why the devil uses it as his favourite weapon against people. The devil does not want you to go forward. If you do decide to go forward, you will have to confront fear because fear will never evaporate or disappear. It must be confronted.

If we seek God when we are afraid, we would hear Him say what He said to the Israelites: Fear not for I am with you. I will never leave you nor forsake you. God is greater than any problem you will ever have.

7. Blame is a game that you shouldn’t play

If you are playing this game, it might be time for you to stop it and start taking responsibility. Maybe you say: “it is not my fault.” As humans we seem to be determined to do things over and over even when they don’t seem to work. We blame each other, we blame ourselves, and we even blame God. Instead of blaming, we need to let go of the past and press into the future. God doesn’t want us to spend our days feeling guilty; He wants us to be responsible.

The first step toward change is the decision to take responsibility to do what needs to be done and to stop blaming. Be responsible, be bold!

8. Comparison doesn’t bring you anything either

I am satisfied with everyday life until I start comparing it with someone else’s life or business. It is very tempting to compare what you have to what someone else has. Stop looking to the side and start concentrating on what’s in front of you. God has an incredible individual plan for each of us.

We all have times when we wonder why God doesn’t deliver us from a difficult situation or why He has not done something we have asked Him to do. Plus we also have the tendency to look at someone else we know definitely seems to have life easier than we do and the comparisons begin. Don’t waste your time comparing, because it only leads to jealousy, envy, resentment and confusion.

Trust God that He has a good plan for you. He may take you on a road you would not choose, but He has a reason.

Post/Tweet this: Bad habits are easier to abandon today than tomorrow. ~Yiddish Proverb #TheDailyChoice

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