HABITS – New Light on Failure

I have been writing and speaking about habits. Habits govern our lives. Good habits will have a long-term positive effect. Bad habits can have an immediate effect that is pleasurable, but produce long-term challenges. For example, Type 2 Diabetes is mostly a dietary habits and sedentary lifestyle based disease. Snacking on chocolate, drinking pop, beer, and other various junk food while watching evening TV at 24 years of age will give you an immediate fix. Long-term effects are far away like the distant sunset on the ocean waves. We know about it, but it is so far away that we do not really think it will effect us. Then we are diagnosed and suddenly our whole life changes. Still, change is possible. It is never too late to take charge of our health, our spirituality, or even our personal relationships. Implementing good habits make all the difference.

Today’s blog and next Sunday’s message will deal with a common mistake we make when considering a change in our life. The mistake is universally experienced with the infamous New Year’s resolution. Good intentions declared and then immediate fail.

A quick review; to get rid of a bad habitlike drinking coffee, (Full disclosure here, I enjoy coffee and feel no need to change this energizing, life giving, inspirational habit.) However, some of you may want to rid yourself of this addiction and so I offer the following proven advice:

• Consider the cue; make it less obvious (move the coffee pot out of sight).
• Consider the craving; make it unattractive (drink herb tea).
• Consider the response; make it more difficult to make (put the coffee beans in the garage).
• Consider the reward; make it less satisfying, (if you succumb to coffee, make it tepid).

It is this last point that I want to conclude with today and it will be the focus of next Sunday’s message.

We often want to start big, looking for the big reward. Mostly we fail just as big. A 1% change is better than no change, so start small with doable changes. If the change is too difficult, despite our good intention, the chances are we will fail. In order for us to succeed, we need to see successes along the way. Consider this verse, Hebrews 11:6 (NIV) 6  And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Every time we begin to make changes in our life, we start with faith. When we invoke God in the process, we have just invited the creator of heaven and earth who can do more than we even imagine into our corner. Now the next sentence is extremely important. God rewards those who earnestly seek him.

When we take on small bite size changes, where it is just a little more difficult than we can manage alone, but not so difficult that it is impossible to have faith for, God will give you small successes that will keep you going. The long-term effects will inspire you to take bigger bites as you continue along in your new behaviour.

One last thing; expect failure. Failure is no problem. It is not the end. It is just the beginning of a new start. When you fail, forget it, ask God for help, and then immediately start over again. Don’t let negative thoughts deter you from continuing. As the Apostle Paul said, “forget what is behind, and press on” Everyone fails, but those who make a lifetime change get up and start again as soon as possible.

I always welcome feedback. If you have started a new habit and would like to share your successes or challenges, I would be happy to hear from you. You can email me directly at pastorjim@kcfoffice.com.

See you this Sunday.