Buddhist Catholic Contemplative Evangelical General Christian Hindu Jewish Latter-day Saint Muslim New Visions Progressive Christian

Beliefs

Topics

Columnists

Resource Library

Research Tools

Video

Podcasts

Thought Readers

Faith In Media Tracker

Newsletters

Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In Subscription Support

Follow Patheos

Courage for Life

Home
Evangelical
Is It Time For Change?

Is It Time For Change?

Last updated on: January 14, 2019 at 8:00 am by Ann White

Is It Time For Change? 2019-01-09T13:39:20-05:00 Ann White

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Are there any destructive behaviors you find yourself trapped in? Do you lack appropriate boundaries? Are you overloading your schedule? Do you find yourself stuck in a rut, consumed by negativity, or regularly frustrated with life as it is? If so, isn’t it time for a change?

It is said:

“Watch your thoughts, they become words;

Watch your words, they become actions;

Watch your actions, they become habits;

Watch your habits, they become character;

Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.”

Recognize Bad Behaviors

There are a host of bad habits we can find ourselves trapped in. Whether it’s something seemingly harmless like cursing occasionally, thinking only of yourself, being demanding and impatient, or reacting before you think. Or, ones that are more obviously harmful like lying, cheating, and stealing. Acting badly keeps us from fully experiencing many of the blessings God intends to send our way.

Negative attitudes and actions directly impact every aspect of our lives. Our emotional, physical, spiritual, and relational health suffers when we ignore our need to improve our behavior. Therefore, we must take the time to identify and break any destructive patterns that have become a way of life. If not — negative consequences are sure to follow, and they are often allowed by God as a way to get our attention.

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2

The Power of God’s Word

God’s Word repeatedly reminds us to watch our words, consider our ways, and transform our lives by changing the way we think. One primary way we can make positive changes is to regularly read and study God’s Word. According to research by the Center For Bible Engagement, “Christians who are engaged in scripture most days of the week have lower odds of participating in a number of bad behaviors.”[1]

Priscilla Du Preez | www.unsplash.com

When we read and study God’s Word, it changes our words, our actions, our habits, our character, and ultimately our destiny. Godly character enables us to live out our God-given purpose and potential. By reading and applying God’s Word to our everyday lives, we proactively manage our thoughts, actions, reactions, and responses and thereby improve our behavior.

God’s Word is the stepping stone that leads to our overall growth and maturity, which ultimately leads to everlasting change.

Are you ready for that kind of change in your life?

Join me today and …

Make the study of God’s Word a daily priority.
Set aside a specific time each day for quiet time with God.
Ask God to help you identify negative attitudes and behaviors you need to eliminate.
Share your issues with a safe friend or loved one who will help hold you accountable as you begin to make positive changes.

[1] Arnold Cole, Ed.D., and Pamela Caudill Ovwigho, Ph.D., Understanding the Bible Engagement Challenge: Scientific Evidence for the Power of 4, accessed 12/27/18. https://www.backtothebible.org/files/web/docs/cbe/Scientific_Evidence_for_the_Power_of_4.pdf

About Ann White

Ann White is the Founder, Executive Director of Courage For Life in Marietta, GA. She is an internationally known author, speaker, and passionate Bible teacher. Ann founded her global ministry out of a calling to share with others how God and His Word brought restoration to her life and marriage. You can read more about the author here.

Previous Post

January 11, 2019

3 Reasons to Avoid “But”

Next Post

January 16, 2019 Your Life's Assignment

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Bible Study Communication Courage For Life Discipleship Emotional Growth Holy Week Leadership Personal Growth Real Life Stories Relationships Serving Others Spiritual Growth Uncategorized YouVersion

Select a Month May 2019 April 2019 March 2019 February 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

Who is Abraham’s wife?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Sarah Naomi Ruth Esther