Say No To Habits That Can Enslave You

1 Corinthians 6:12 NIV “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything.”

Just because something is technically legal does not mean it is spiritually appropriate. If you are serious about spiritual growth, seize the opportunity to say no to yourself when faced with the tiniest temptation. Then one day you will be able to say no when it really matters. Daniel started by saying no to eating the king’s food, and later was able to say no to bowing to the king’s idols. Focus on the undisciplined areas of your life; the ones you keep excusing, rationalizing, and delaying dealing with. Paul measured his actions by this yardstick: “Is it beneficial? Does it have the potential to control me?” You have a “right” to eat a big bowl of ice cream every night. It is permissible, but it is not “beneficial” to your health, wellbeing, and physical fitness. You have a “right” to spend your money as you please, but do not complain when you end up broke or in a strangulating debt. You have a “right” to watch whatever you want on TV, iPhone, or the internet, but exposure to wrong influences will inevitably weaken your character, rob you of self-respect, and enslave you to sin. So next time you are tempted to fall into a bad habit, make a conscious effort to say no, especially if you are serious about your spiritual growth. You need to throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles you (Hebrews 12:1). Never forget: When it comes to replacing bad habits with good ones, the only person who can make that happen is you!