Suppose that you want to get rid of some behavior in your life. It is never enough to stop doing the wrong thing. In order to defeat that behavior, you need to not only stop doing the wrong thing, but also start doing the right thing.
The Apostle Paul emphasizes this principle.
- He tells the Ephesians, “stop lying, instead, tell the truth.”
- He also encourages the Ephesians, rather than being drunk, speak to one another with Psalms Hymns and spiritual songs.
- And, don’t let unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up.
This is the framework of Ephesians 4:22-24:
to put off your old self
to be renewed in the spirit of your minds
and to put on the new self
So, if you are going to defeat a behavior in your life. One of the first things that you need to do is find the right alternative. Here is one to think about this week. The positive alternative to “worrying” is “thanksgiving.” Paul tells the Philippians, “Don’t be anxious but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving make your requests known to God.”
If you struggle with worry and anxiety, and most of us do at one time or another, make it your goal this week to replace those thoughts with thanksgiving.
Hi Chris,
This is something that God is teaching me. I believe you are describing the directive that Timothy got from Paul to “fight the good fight of faith” (1 Timothy 6:12) There is a natural downward pull in all of us to go the way of the “earth”. How easily I could give way to my own weakness BUT God has called me to fix my eyes upward on Jesus who is seated at the right hand of the Father in heaven. When we do this in the face of conflict and opposition we ARE laying hold of the eternal life to which He has called us.
Thanks, Chris, for leading me to your thoughts here. I’ve also heard that we need to replace something with the explosive power of something else more compelling. But I like the idea of 1) when you notice you’re slipping into worry to then 2) substitute thanking God. like: Lord, I’m worried that my son is feeling exhausted and too stretched as a new father and a platoon leader…woops..THANK YOU , Father that you promise to supply him strength, rest and security (Deut 33:25)
I will try this out!
Maria