![]() ![]() They will be wrapped up in a lot of other things like a ball of elastic bands. It’s also important to understand that habits are not usually just one action or thought. That is not to say it won’t be possible but you need to be realistic from the offset. When we are trying to change a behaviour or thought pattern that we’ve held onto for a long time, it’s not going to be easy. So, how do we deconstruct a habit that we have held onto for years? Here are a few things I’ve found useful.Īcknowledge that breaking bad habits won’t be easy ‘Old habits die hard’ is a saying for a reason. And while plasters help wounds heal, if we seek to understand the source of what hurt us in the first place, we are less likely to do it again. Because just like putting a plaster on a wound, the wound is still there underneath no matter how many layers you put on top of it. But I don’t think you should just sweep the old one under the carpet. When you want to form a new habit typically it will be because you are looking to break or replace another. People tend to talk about how to build new habits but I want to talk about the importance of deconstructing an old (usually bad) one. So, when we try to change and our brains have got to do a little more thinking (even if it is for the good), we can find it hard. Why? Because it takes the guess work out of what we are doing. The scope of God’s Kingdom was broadening, and though the Jewish followers of Jesus found it hard to believe, what they would have rejected was now to be embraced.We are creatures of habit, and our brains love it. Peter was not overly educated in such things but that was one thing every “good” Jew knew to abide by.īut the voice just as quickly replied, “What God has cleansed and pronounced clean, no longer consider common (unholy).” v15 AMP And for good measure, this happened three times in quick succession. Most of us know that to this day, Jews will not eat pigs, but they also avoid shellfish (shrimp and the like), no insects (most of us wouldn’t have a problem with that one), and interestingly enough, they cannot have milk and meat in the same meal! The Old Testament Law laid out several prohibitions regarding what a devout Israelite could not eat. Peter’s retort was quick, and he said, “Not at all, Lord, for I have never eaten anything that is common (unholy) and unclean.” v14 AMP Peter had issues, as can be seen in today’s passage.Ī sheet full of all sorts of animals, reptiles, and birds was let down before him and a voice said to him, “Get up, Peter kill and eat them.” vs12, 13 NLT But I have never known anyone to lose everything playing euchre or penny poker even!ĭoctrinal issues can become problematic as well, even things that are biblically sound. Many lives have been ruined because of these kinds of issues. The problem that arises in this example, in particular, is when gambling becomes too big a part of the picture and then becomes nigh impossible to overcome. ![]() (I have known many people who have had many wonderfully fulfilling moments with friends and family playing a wide assortment of card games!) As some would have said at the time, “They’re wicked!” We’ve since gotten beyond that notion, realizing that the cards themselves are not wicked, nor are many of the games associated with them. One thing we didn’t do was to play any kind of games that involved playing cards – you know the ones with hearts, diamonds, spades, and clubs. I’ve mentioned before that I grew up in a very conservative environment. The church is not exempt from habits that are hard to break. Many struggle with the habit of smoking, and the friends I have that have done so, would verify that it was probably one of the most difficult things they’ve ever done! If you’re in the habit of eating more than you should, it’s hard to stop. Thank You, Father, for the blessings of family and all they mean to me!Īcts 10:7-16 (<<click here to read the passage)Īs the old saying goes, “Old habits die hard.” and a majority of us can relate to what it may mean for us personally. A beautiful day to finally open up the grill and help just a bit with supper. ![]()
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