Counsel #9 — Sinful Patterns And Habits

Picture: Counsel #9 — Sinful Patterns And HabitsCWe 56.1

Our fallen nature can make it easier to fall into sinful habits. Laziness, procrastination, or negativity can become ingrained patterns that are difficult to break free from in our own strength. Repetitive behaviors that don't truly satisfy us, like excessive social media use, gaming, gambling, or inordinate shopping, can become substitutes for what we really crave—a deeper experience with Jesus. He is our only true fulfillment!^{[68]https://ssnet.org/blog/good-news-for-those-struggling-with-bad-habits/}CWe 56.2

“Those who live following their sinful selves think only about things that their sinful selves want. But those who live following the Spirit are thinking about the things the Spirit wants them to do. If people’s thinking is controlled by the sinful self, there is death. But if their thinking is controlled by the Spirit, there is life and peace.” Romans 8:5, 6 NCVCWe 56.3

“When the character is lacking in purity, when sin has become a part of the character, it has a bewitching power that is equal to the intoxicating glass of liquor. The power of self-control and reason is overborne by practices that defile the whole being; and if these sinful practices are continued, the brain is enfeebled and diseased, and loses its balance.” Ellen White in Maranatha, p. 229CWe 56.4

Reflect: What repetitive behaviors or habits have become ingrained in your life? How might a deeper relationship with Jesus fill your needs more authentically?CWe 56.5