9 Strategies to Help You Fight Habitual Sin
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Sin exists in some shape or form in all of our lives. As Scripture states, “ For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). His Word also helps us understand that we won’t be sinless in this world, but we can in the next (Isaiah 25:8). This means that if all people in this fallen world have a relationship with sin, then no matter how hard we try, we will each have our own struggles until the day we die. For some of us though, we gravitate towards specific sins time and time again. Thus, certain sins become habitual.
Scripture admonishes us to flee from sin (1 Corinthians 6:18). One way to do this is by setting new boundaries in your life. If you struggle with alcohol, don’t keep any inside the house. Staying up late and on unfiltered internet is unwise for those struggling with porn. With new limits can come new possibilities.
There’s wisdom in knowing iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17). While we don’t have to struggle with a sin to offer advice, those who have been in our position can definitely relate most. Not all bad habits require accountability, but having a physical reminder that someone is watching often offers powerful motivation. You can then talk to them about your progress and strategize on areas of improvement.
In addition to the aid we can find with people, there’s even more support God has to offer (James 1:5). We pray not to inform God of our struggles, but rather to have God continue to shape us into the image of Christ. The more we pray, the more we can glean from His wisdom. Moreover, if we’re constantly talking to God, recognizing His presence will lead us away from sin.
If you’re expecting God or anyone else to make you do the right thing, you’re setting yourself up for failure. There is wisdom in the saying the opposite of addiction is connection. However, you have to plan for the times when connection isn’t possible. Sometimes your prayers will seem meaningless, and your accountability partners will for some reason be absent. That’s why you need a plan in place when you feel on your own. Set those reminders in place that remind you why you’re changing.
If you’ve been struggling with something since you were a child, don’t be surprised if you can’t stop in a day. Just think, years of your life have been spent in sin. Your formative years were in part spent developing something that’s ungodly. Now you’re an adult and seeking to change. Is that realistic? Yes, but the change takes time. How do you know? Scripture says so!
Don’t abandon your hope for a newer, better version of yourself!
Change is hard. There are fewer things that are harder. But that also means there are fewer worthwhile things. If you’ve failed recently, don’t give up. If you fail later today, do not give up. There is hope.
Note your mess-up. Make a plan. Set the plan in motion. And keep fighting.
God has granted us free will, and He won’t make us change. Other people may offer support, but they can’t force us to behave. Change is up to us. Change is something we have to decide on, and believe within.
No matter how many times you fail, and no matter how far, keep hope alive. God is with you!
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