How many times have you said to yourself, "I am done with that." "I'm going to change - become a new man (person) and turn over a new leaf." How did that work out for you? Breaking any habit is a difficult thing and in your own strength, even more so. Just ask any drug user or porn viewer. Most would tell you that they want to stop but can't. Why? Because they have been doing it for so long, the hook is in and they can't see any possible way out. Understanding that your current actions are hardening your heart to the very activity you desire to change, is the first step.
As the Apostle Paul writes to the Ephesians, "Put off the the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts and be renewed in the spirit of your mind." (Ephesians 4:22) Simply put, stop doing it. It is dragging you deeper into a pit. Change what influences are controlling your mind. How do you do that?
Paul again tells us what approach to take in his letter to the Philippians; "Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if anything be praiseworthy- meditate on these things." (Philippians 4:8) In other words, get your mind turned. Actions begin in the mind. Change your thinking and you will change your actions. Purify your mind with the reading of His word. This will help put on the "new man" which was created according to God, in righteousness and true holiness. (Ephesians 4:24)
You can become a "new man" through Christ. You can break a life style of sin and exchange it for righteousness. Remember the fight is not against flesh or blood but against the powers of darkness. Therefore, "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." (Ephesians 6:11)
The Truth
Ephesians 6:10-17
