We’ve all tried to break a bad habit or start a new good one. Although we may start strong, it is a challenge to stay the course. We easily drift back into old patterns of behavior, whether we are trying to eat better, lose weight, or control our spending. Paul describes the struggle of the human condition in Romans 7. He says, he wants to do right, but he doesn’t. He doesn’t want to do wrong, but he does it anyway, and the end result is a feeling of total misery and failure. Without the power of the Holy Spirit, we are working at a huge disadvantage because it’s only through Spirit-discipline that we can gain power over our desires and make the choices we want to make. It has to do with choosing between what you want now and what you want most. If you want most to get your finances in order, then you have to learn to say “no” to some of the things you want now. You can succeed if you rely on the power of God’s Holy Spirit and allow Him to strengthen and guide you.

Scriptures – Romans 7:15, 18-20, 24-25; 1 Corinthians 9:26-27

Verses – I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. (Ro 7:15) I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. But if I do what I don’t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it. (Ro 7:18-20) Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. (Ro 7:24-25)

Thought – In order to change some big things in our lives, we must start out with a small change. Developing one good habit can have a ripple effect which makes a huge difference down the road. For example, deciding to work out on a regular schedule (every day, or 3x a week, whatever)…that one action can cause you to feel better physically, leading to better sleep. Those things improve your emotional health and create positive momentum. The ripple effect can cause your more rested self to be better focused at work or school, have more energy, be more productive. You may be less angry, because you are physically working out some of your frustrations. If you are a happier, kinder person, then your relationships prosper. It all starts with a small thing that has the potential to reap big benefits. With God’s help you can start and remain faithful to a discipline that helps you gain what you want most, rather than giving in to what you want now. We naturally want what is easy, convenient, makes us feel good; but more than that, if we want to bring glory to God, we must choose what matters most over what we want now. With the Spirit of God dwelling in you, you have the power to break a habit, to say “no” to what your flesh wants now. Keep your eyes on what lies ahead and with the Holy Spirit’s help you will reach your potential.

Questions – What have you repeatedly started, but haven’t followed through? Why did you give up? What have you started and followed through and it has had a positive ripple effect in other areas of your life? Explain. What do you want that requires you to give up something now in order to gain what you want most? 

Response – Consider the things you have bailed out on. With God’s help decide what you want most. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to give you the power to say “no” to the thing you want now which is keeping you from the thing you want most. Choose one thing you can do, with God’s help, that can make a big difference in the long run if you are disciplined and faithful.

Prayer – Dear Lord, help me surrender to Your Holy Spirit and give me power over my desires so I can say “no” to the things that hold me back from Your best plan for me. Help me bring glory to You in every area of my life. In Jesus’ Name I pray!