Habits and Freedom

For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be subject again to the yoke of slavery.
Galatians 5:1

Have you ever had a habit of doing something that you really don't want to do, but you keep doing it anyway? I think we can all raise our hand to that, I know I sure can! Fortunately Jesus, when He died and rose again, did something for us that takes care of that, and that is He gave us freedom! He gave us a freedom where we never have to suffer from those things again. Now I know exactly what you are going to say. "Kent, if Jesus gave me freedom, then why I am still doing what I don't want to do." Jesus did give us freedom, however it is up to us to receive that gift and hold on to it. Notice what Paul was saying here, "stand firm and do not be subject again." This means we have to do something. This means that when we are being tempted to do that which we don't want to do, that we have to stand our ground and say with all our being "NO!" It means that whenever we have an opportunity to do that which we don't want to do or even think about that thing (and may I had think pleasurable thoughts about that thing), that we do whatever we need to do to change our thoughts and turn our back on that thing. It took you and I a long time, years sometimes, to get into the mess and behavior pattern that we are currently in. It is going to take some time to stand firm and consistently stand firm before you start seeing that bad habit fade away. And if you slide back into that habit, that's okay, as long as you are consistently standing firm against it and consistently turning you back and changing your thoughts on that thing.

Take Away: if you consistently stand firm and consistently stop putting yourself in a situation where you will no longer go back to that "bad" habit, you will eventually reap the reward of freedom. The key is "consistently!"