For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
Romans 7:19
Why is it so easy to break good habits and so hard to break bad habits? Why is it easy to fall into bad habits and hard to start good ones? Paul tells us that it’s the natural man at war with the spiritual man. There’s a battle going on and the natural man has deep roots and lots of support. Yet, so does the spiritual man if we will tap into it. In order to win this battle, we need to take a closer look at our identity, the immediate vs. long-term effects, and intentions.
Identity
What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
1 Corinthians 6:19
In Atomic Habits by James Clear, he says the key to making a good habit stick is to build identity-based habits which come from our system of beliefs. When a habit becomes part of our identity, then we move from the type of person who “wants this” to a person who “is this,” whatever this may be.
My friend Katherine Pasour just released a book titled Honoring God with My Body: Journey to Wellness and a Healthy Lifestyle. It’s a Bible study with real-life applications to creating better habits. The basis of her book is on scripture, especially 1 Corinthians 6:19 above. We are the temple of God; therefore, we must treat it with respect. Part of respecting our bodies is living a healthy lifestyle that will keep our temple in the best shape possible so that we can better serve God.
Immediate vs. Long-term
While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:18
James Clear also points out that our brains are wired for living in the moment, instant gratification. We want to have healthier bodies and spiritual walks, but when it comes down to the moment, we tend to choose what is easier and more enjoyable. He says to make rewards immediate and applicable to your identity. So, instead of rewarding exercise with ice cream get a massage. The massage is enjoyable and will move you further along the road to wellness.
The Bible gives us clear advice on this: keep your eyes on the eternal not the temporal. When our daily habits keep our eyes on Jesus and what God is doing, we won’t be as tempted by instant gratification. The more we study God’s Word and memorize scriptures, the greater arsenal we have in the daily battles with the natural man.
Intention
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1-2
The road to Hell was paved with good intentions. That is a well-known cliché, but there is a nugget of truth in it. Intentions are no good without follow through. If our intention is to grow spiritually and improve physically, then we have to intentionally do things that will make this a reality. We have to form habits of Bible study, prayer, and communion with other Christians.
Make or Break
Atomic Habits is about making small changes (1%) at a time. A little improvement is better than none, and it will lead to greater improvement in the long run. Replacing bad habits with good habits takes time and effort, but in the spiritual realm it can have eternal rewards. So, remember who you are and whose you are, keep your eyes on the prize (Jesus), and intentionally do things that will get you closer to the goal. Call in your coach, The Holy Spirit, when you need encouragement and strength, but just keep moving forward 1 step (1%) at a time.
What has helped you create good spiritual habits? Let’s start with remembering who He says we are.