October 19, 2005

• Changes…

  
  

  I was reading Jenn’s post today and it has me thinking about how difficult it can be to change our old habits, whether it’s bad housekeeping habits (unmade beds, dirty dishes in the sink overnight, etc.) or sinful character habits (gossip, overeating, laziness). I was asking the Lord what to share today and after reading her post I decided this was the perfect ‘blog’ for the day! Here is what I shared with Jenn…

  
  

  “This is what I have been learning concerning Eph. 4:22-24..when we have established ungodly habits and patterns that kick in ‘seemingly’ on auto pilot… we are to PUT OFF the action or thought the minute it comes to the surface… RENEW OUR MIND with what God’s Word says about the habit/sin….. PUT ON the new action. Many times we will PUT OFF and RENEW but we never PUT ON the new action. For instance, if a person is prone to the sin of gossip. They would prepare ahead of time to combat this sin so that when it comes up again they would be ready to do battle. They would look for the areas where they are tempted to gossip. Confess them, repent of them, and ask for God’s grace to stop the sin. They would have their Scriptures ready for the next time the temptation arises. Once the temptation hits they would …

  
  

  PUT OFF: Stop the sin while it’s at the thought process. Don’t allow themselves to speak it out of their mouth.

  
  

  RENEW THEIR MIND: What does God’s Word say about the sin? Memorize and remind themselves.

  
  

  PUT ON: Finally, they would PUT ON the new behavior.  Eph 4:29 has an example of  PUT ON for unwholesome talk and it’s to edify those who are listening by wholesome words. So instead of gossiping about the other person you could find something positive about that person that would edify the person you are speaking to. What would benefit the person you are speaking to? Gossip would only encourage them to sin by tempting them to say something unkind about the person, too. Or it would give room for the enemy by judging the other person unfairly. Eph 4:29 : “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

  
  

  This Scripture (Eph 4:22-24) and it’s application are really helping me change my eating patterns. My blood work came back showing I was pre-diabetic. I can stop or reverse this reading if I will change the way I eat. My husband has always enjoyed down home cooking. I’ve spent the last 30 years collecting recipes so that I can cook like my Grandma used to… fried chicken, mashed potatoes, homemade yeast rolls, cobblers and homemade ice cream. Oh, I’m getting a hankering to get in that kitchen and do some serious cooking! But, the fruit of this way of cooking has not brought good results in my body or my husbands. So, now at the age of 48 years old,  I am having to change these habits if I want my husband and I to remain healthy. This has not been an easy adjustment. I’m having to find new recipes. I’m having to accept that I’m not going to be getting ‘pats on the back’ for my great cooking. (Let’s face it… a low carb cookie cannot compare to a blackberry cobbler!). Everything is new.

  
  

  To change this pattern of my old way of cooking and eating I have had to make up a new plan. I’ve identified the old patterns that have caused me to eat the wrong foods, I’ve collected Scriptures to encourage me to do right and I’ve made a plan to eat healthy foods. When thoughts come up to indulge in the old way of cooking and eating I’ve reminded myself that ‘whatsoever I do, whether I eat or drink, I’m to do it for God’s glory.’ God gets no glory in my eating in a way that brings much harm to His temple. Then I PUT ON the right action by eating healthy food.

  
  

  I try not to make provision for the flesh by having healthy veggies and fruits available. I try to keep tempting foods out of the house except for those special occasions when family comes together. I’m counting calories and keep a watch on that during the day plus I am trying to walk 3 times a week.

  
  

  These are just a few examples of how to change an ungodly pattern. I wish someone had opened this Scripture up to me years ago. I fought over individual sins for years before I was able to overcome them. God’s Word is my delight. It truly is a lamp to direct our path.

  
  

  Have a glorious day in HIM!

  • 10:07 am
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