How to Remove and Replace Your Old Habits
By Rick Warren
“Practice these things. Devote your life to them so that everyone can see your progress.” 1 Timothy 4:15 (GW)
The moment you give your life to Jesus, he gives you a brand-new nature. But you will still have old habits, patterns, and practices that need to be removed and replaced. It’s a lifelong process, but here are two bits of guidance to help you on the journey.
Let go of the fears that keep you from growing. The truth will set you free, but it often makes you miserable first. The fear of what you might discover if you honestly face your character defects can keep you living in the prison of denial. Only as God is allowed to shine the light of his truth on your faults, failures, and hang-ups can you begin to work on them. This is why you cannot grow without a humble, teachable attitude.
Stop basing your identity around your “defects.” You say, “It’s just like me to be . . .” or “It’s just the way I am.” The unconscious worry is that if you let go of your hurt, hang-up, or habit, you won’t know who you are anymore. This fear can definitely slow your growth.
Remember that your character is the sum total of your habits—and good habits take time to develop. You can’t claim to have integrity unless it’s your habit to always be honest. A husband who is faithful to his wife most of the time is not faithful at all! Your habits define your character.
Remember: You have to practice every day the habits that will make you more like Christ.
“Devote your life to them so that everyone can see your progress” (1 Timothy 4:15 GW).
PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick
For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit pastorrick.com!
Discover the Key to Resting in the Goodness of God
Start trusting God’s goodness in every area of life by exploring Psalm 23 with Pastor Rick’s Living in the Goodness of God Guided Bible Study.
This beautiful, interactive, book will help you . . .
• Revolutionize your life and your relationships
• Recharge your body and mind
• Create a habit of worship instead of worry
• Practice loving God and others well
• Use your time for the things that matter most
• Stop comparing and start being content
• And so much more!
We’ll send you the Living in the Goodness of God Guided Bible Study as thanks for your gift today to help share the Gospel with more people around the world through Daily Hope.
Request your copy of this one-of-a-kind spiritual growth tool today—and start resting in the goodness of God.
*The USA IRS code permits you to deduct the amount of your financial gift to Daily Hope that exceeds the fair market value of materials you received from Daily Hope.
This devotional © 2018 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
You can listen to Rick Warren on OnePlace.com.
