"For who has known the mind and purposes of the Lord, so as to instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ [to be guided by His thoughts and purposes]."
-- I Corinthians 2:16(AMP)
-- I Corinthians 2:16(AMP)
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What if I told you that you can overcome any habit or addiction simply by applying the God's word? Would you dismiss the notion and give me the side-eye believing it sounds too good to be true? Well, before you discount me, please allow me to unpack this biblical truth.
We understand that a habit is any act, tendency, or behavior that is regular and hard to give up. An addiction is a compulsive need to engage in an act, tendency, or behavior with an inability to stop despite harmful consequences and personal/interpersonal distress that is caused as a result. Since habits and addictions evolve and become stronger and more fortified over time, it's important to examine where they originate.
"And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread."--Matthew 4:3
"And the Lord said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan answered the Lord, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it."--Job 2:2
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour..."--I Peter 5:8
From the aforementioned references, we can conclude that the enemy is always on the prowl for his next victim. He is ruthless, relentless, and evil and he never plays fair. If we are going to experience victory in our lives and not fall prey to the snares, traps, tricks, and schemes of the enemy--it will only happen through the word of God.
The Bible warns us that Satan will come to tempt, just as he tempted Jesus. It's important to note that when the enemy came to Jesus, Jesus was tired and hungry. Translation, He was vulnerable and open. Beware when you are in a place of mental fatigue, exhaustion, and weariness. This is prime time for the enemy! "Stressed out? Here's something to relax you." He will always offer something that looks good, sounds good--but don't be duped! There's always a price to pay. Years ago, I had a friend whose boyfriend broke up with her. She was devastated and beyond consoling. A family member gave her a "hot toddy" to help her calm down; this was the beginning of drinking problem and a dependence in a poor coping mechanism. See? The enemy does not play fair!
We would do well to remember Jesus' response when the tempter.
Tempter: G3985-peirazo: one who tests one's faith, virtue or character by enticement to sin; to solicit to sin.
Jesus reminded Satan that man does not live by bread only, but by every word that comes out of God's mouth:
"But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God."--Matthew 4:4".
If we are living by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God, then we are grabbing hold (by faith) of the biblical truth that we have the "mind of Christ". We have been endowed with the divine capacity to withstand any temptation and overcome any habit or addiction.
So, what about a habit or an addiction that is fixed or long-term? We simply renounce it and begin to decree and pray the word of God over our lives until His truth become our reality and core belief. If it's a habit of nail-biting, become mindful and aware of the urge to bite your nails. Why do I want to bite? Am I bored? Nervous? Or has it become so instinctive, I don't even know why? Take authority over the urge. Decree you have the mind of Christ! Speak God's word over the habit/addiction. The more mindful we become of triggers and urges, the quicker we can decree the word of God. The more we practice mindfulness and biblical application of the word, the more new neuropathways we build. Radical transformation is happening.
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God."
--Romans 12:2
Real, lasting, and authentic change is possible when we follow God's blueprint for our lives. He really does desire that we live life to the full (John 10:10), not bound by harmful and destructive habits and addictions.
Prayer:
Father, in the name of Jesus, we pray for those who are struggling with an addiction or habit. We pray for those struggling with heroin/opioid addiction, or gambling, or pornography, alcohol or substance abuse. We pray for grace, courage, and strength to do the hard work and resist the tempter with the word of God. You promised that if we resist the devil, he will flee (James 4:7)! We pray for those who struggling with habitual lying and deception. Thank you for the capacity to be people of truth! Thank you for your unfailing love and your desire to see all of your children free--thriving and full of faith! Amen and so be it according to your word.
For more information on renewing of the mind, clink on the button below to read our article on Neuroplasticity and the Renewed Mind.
***Greek word study from Strong's Exhaustive Concordance***
