Those who live by the corrupt nature have the corrupt nature’s attitude.
But those who live by the spiritual nature have the spiritual nature’s attitude. The corrupt nature’s attitude leads to death. But the spiritual nature’s attitude leads to life and peace.
Romans 8:5–6
I n the life of faith the question is never what God’s going to do but what you’re going to do. God’s Word makes it clear what he will do, but your choices aren’t so certain. When you know there is something to be done, you have to be sure that you will do it. That means that you must turn your will to doing that one thing. No matter how hard it is, you have to decide to do it. Your actions follow your will. If you really just want to go play, then you’re going to go play instead of praying or reading. Your mind speaks to you, quietly prodding you to do what it has already willed. So if there is some area in your life where you feel like you just can’t do the right thing, then think about the fact that maybe you just don’t want to do it. Sure, you know you should, but deep down you just don’t want to. The reason is usually that there is some good payoff in doing the wrong thing; it’s something you really enjoy and don’t want to give up. It might be the worst habit in the world, but it gives you something you really want, even though you might be totally oblivious to it.
So take a deeper look at your bad habits and your will. What do your habits provide for you? Peace, hope, joy? Then remember that those things are what God promises to give you. Would you turn to something or someone else to give you what God wants to give you? When you see that the payoff of sin is more exciting to you than the payoff to obedience, you know you have to change that way of thinking. Dig into God’s Word and find out the reasons why doing what God wants you to do really has a bigger payoff for your life. Learn about obedience and how God reacts to it. If you want a habit to be gone, then you have to replace it with something of greater value to your heart. What do you value, God Girl?