Patterns to Follow, Patterns to Break
by Dr. Paul Chappell
“Amon was twenty and two years old when he began to reign, and he reigned two years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Meshullemeth, the daughter of Haruz of Jotbah. And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, as his father Manasseh did. And he walked in all the way that his father walked in, and served the idols that his father served, and worshipped them: And he forsook the LORD God of his fathers, and walked not in the way of the LORD.”
2 Kings 21:19–22
Some people learn early of God’s love and accept His salvation at a young age. They develop the habits of church attendance, Bible reading, prayer, and giving early in life. Others do not have that advantage. Being saved later, there are negative habits from their younger years that they must overcome. Dostoyevsky wrote, “The second half of a man’s life is made up of the habits he acquired during the first half.”
But all of us, whether we had a head start with a godly family or not, have tendencies and habits of which we must be aware if we want to do what is right and pleasing in God’s eyes. It is easy for us to overlook things that we are used to doing. For example, a person who grew up giving quick vent to anger may not recognize the issues their outbursts can cause for themselves and for others. It seems “normal” because it is part of a pattern of living.
We need to be alert and aware as we make our way through life to negative tendencies and patterns that we may have acquired, and be vigilant not to accept them. In the same way, we need to be aware of our good habits and behaviors, and do what we can to reinforce them so that they continue.
2 Kings 21:19–22
Some people learn early of God’s love and accept His salvation at a young age. They develop the habits of church attendance, Bible reading, prayer, and giving early in life. Others do not have that advantage. Being saved later, there are negative habits from their younger years that they must overcome. Dostoyevsky wrote, “The second half of a man’s life is made up of the habits he acquired during the first half.”
But all of us, whether we had a head start with a godly family or not, have tendencies and habits of which we must be aware if we want to do what is right and pleasing in God’s eyes. It is easy for us to overlook things that we are used to doing. For example, a person who grew up giving quick vent to anger may not recognize the issues their outbursts can cause for themselves and for others. It seems “normal” because it is part of a pattern of living.
We need to be alert and aware as we make our way through life to negative tendencies and patterns that we may have acquired, and be vigilant not to accept them. In the same way, we need to be aware of our good habits and behaviors, and do what we can to reinforce them so that they continue.
Today’s Growth Principle:
If we do not pay careful attention to our habits and tendencies, we will tolerate sin that should be cast out of our lives.
No comments:
Post a Comment