Growing in grace ... Old habits.

God's system of grace understands that the "old self" must be put to death (that is, die with Jesus on the cross) in order that we may be truly reformed and changed.

As I read through the Book of Romans, I can totally relate to Paul's struggle with sin and trying to bring the "old-self" into submission! It's hard!

“In the place of our "old self", God gives us a new self, one that is obedient and pleasing to God” Read Eph 4:24

If we are to reckon our "old-self", i.e. sinful ways and habits, as "dead", why do we still feel the pull of sin or continue to sin, if my old-sinful-self is dead?

Here's how our old flesh is the problem.

Our "fleshly" selves are the main problem. Sinful habits have been imprinted in and on our lives through our minds, will and emotions and finally act out through our flesh by means of:

• our old entrenched habits

• the world around us, our environment and those that people that we engage with

• the enemy (yes, this struggle is very real!)

How do we overcome these old "fleshly" habits of ours?

• Through prayer and repentance of our sinful ways.

• Through the practice of discipline. We need to crucify our flesh day by day, sometimes as often as moment by moment. The good news is that we need not do this by ourselves, we rely on God's power and help. (Gal 5:24)

• By transforming our minds and not conforming to the worlds standards and expectations. Read, soak and learn God's Word - find out how are we expected to live as directed by God through His Son Jesus.

• By replacing old habits with godly habits and actions. Remove anything which reminds you or tempts you to pick up old habits. We do not yield any parts of our bodies to our bodily appetites to sin

• By being mindful of the knowledge that we live a new life for our God and God alone - we do not live any longer for ourselves and our selfish ambitions.

• By obliging our life and lifestyle to living God's way.

We are called to live a life of grace not sin.

Grace makes our living "safe" it equips us to live righteously before God. As new women in Christ we are enabled to live over sin through freedom and power.

When a caterpillar emerges from its cocoon it flies, it has a new life. It has no business or reason to return to crawling around on trees and leaves again.

Practical Application

• Read and meditate on God's Word daily to be encouraged to stay the course.

• Ask a godly friend to be your accountability buddy - to help you avoid sinful situations or substances.

• Memorise scriptures that are relevant to your life and circumstance.

• Be kind to yourself. If you "fall off the wagon" pick yourself up and start again.

• Listen to sound Christian podcasts rather than scrolling social media or feeling sorry for yourself.

• Arm yourself with God's truth - have strategies in place before your mind talks you into sinful actions or past old habits.

Contact us via email so we can pray for you - nothing is too big for our God to handle!

Graciously yours.