True, many people would fully appreciate that certain habits are morally wrong and even harmful, they also know that resisting and overcoming them is another story. Habits can become deeply rooted over the years and can be extremely resistant to efforts to change them. Trying to curb such cravings can be exhausting and painful.
But is it true that we are helpless victims of our inner drives and desires? Or can bad habits actually be overcome? To get an authoritative answer, let's us see what the Bible says.
Our Desire Versus Our Actions.
The Bible makes it plain that God holds us responsible for our actions. Also, he requires that we live up to his righteous standards. As our creator, he knows what is best for us, and his principles condemn many of the habits common in the world. However, he is also realistic and compassionate in what he expects from imperfect humans.
The psalmist at Psalm 130:3,wrote ; "If errors were what you watch, O Jah, O Jehovah, who could stand?" Yes, Jehovah knows full well that "the inclination of the heart of man is bad from his youth up". (Genesis 8:21)
However, this consideration on God's part does not absolve us of our responsibility to control bad desires. Self control is essential in combating our wrong inclinations and habits and ultimately prevailing over them.
Change Is Possible
According to a scientist, he say that bad habits, like good ones are learned and developed over time. If that is correct, then bad habits can just as surely be unlearned! How?
Think about the benefits of breaking the old pattern, then, make a list of how changing your behavior could improve your life. Focusing on the benefits of changing our negative behavior can motivate us to change.
Of course, ridding ourselves of bad habits that may have dominated our lives for years will be difficult. We should not underestimate the struggle ahead of us. There will certainly be setbacks and failures. But be rest assured, things usually get easier with time. The more you work at it, the more your new behavior will become a part of you.
One who loves God can also be assured of his help and blessings. Soon now, God will destroy this wicked system of things and all its bad temptations, desires and cravings.
Isaiah 65:17:
"The former things will not be called to mind, neither will they come up into the heart".
Among these "former things" will not doubt be troublesome yearnings and desires.
Is this not a grand reason to do our utmost today to resist and fight against bad habits?