Full Text of This Product
Though addressing smoking, because it is a commonly recognized habit, this article is not written (nor should it be used) to condemn any particular person or any specific habit. Its purpose is to help those who wish to change. And don’t we all wish to change for the better? If we don’t, we should, shouldn’t we? All believers in Christ are destined for change.
In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 1 Corinthians 15:52
But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:18.
Change is already a fact of life; so, let us consider practical steps toward positive change here and now:
1. Be right with God: If you are not saved, be saved. If you are not sure, be sure. If you are not saved, you have no real power to really change. If you are not sure, it is because you lack confidence in God who empowers the change. Perhaps you are reading this out of mere curiosity, and you think that you do not need to be right with God. Please remember that wrong thinking is a very common and frequently fatal habit.
Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. Acts 16:31
For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. Romans 5:10
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Romans 10:9
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:13
2. Be honest with God about your habit.
I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah. Psalm 32:5
3. Be continually openly thankful:
In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Ingratitude in itself is a bad habit.
4. As you give God thanks for your food, thank Him for your cigarette, or other burdensome indulgence.
Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:20
This is not an option. Our God is not a God of options. It may seem hard enough that God tells us to give thanks in everything (as cited above)—but for everything? Yes, because God is engaged in everything (Ephesians 1:11). If His wise and loving hand is in every-thing, I should gladly give thanks for everything.
It should be noted that those who are bound by bad habits also often suffer from depression. Depression involves feelings, and feelings are legitimate. God Himself has feelings, and He gave them to us. Feelings may be affected by many things (see Ecclesiastes 10:19, for example); and so depression may be affected by many things as well. However, it is worthwhile to consider that chronic depression may often be, in itself, simply another bad habit. If such may be the case, habitual thanksgiving for all things is a sure cure; and is, in any case, certainly worth practicing.
5. Remember to pray for all of those who are affected by your habit, physically or spiritually—both your-self and others. Notice that glorifying God in the body is mentioned first—has priority:
For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. 1 Corinthians 6:20
Let every one of us please his neighbor for his good to edification. Romans 15:2
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men. 1 Timothy 2:1
6. Keep this article in a prominent place where you may see it often, and reread it often, until the habit is broken, with the last page plainly visible. Be specific in prayer, and below.
JAK
Habit __________ Date _________ Notes: __________
By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil. Proverbs 16:6
The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death. Proverbs 14:27
And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. Romans 16:20
And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 5:23
Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. Hebrews 13:20-21
For more on depression, see “Dealing with Depression” BTP #3552.