Be Watchful of Our Habits So We Can Change the Sinful Ones

    Last week we looked at the overall message of Titus 2:11-14 and the three areas we need to be aware of – and working on – so we can flourish in our walk as Christians. This week let’s dig into the first area: being watchful of our habits, so we can change the sinful ones.

“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts…” (Titus 2:11-12a NKJV)

    No matter your background, whether you were “raised in the church” (your parents were faithful Christians and raised you in accord with God’s word) or you came to your faith later in life, we all have habits; some good, some bad, some established through determined effort, and some we’re still unaware of although they are noticeable to others.

    We need to open our eyes to our habits – the ways we use our time in the days we are granted (Psalm 39:4-5; 90:12) – and walk in wisdom (Ephesians 5:15-17), respecting and appreciating the gift of God’s grace (Ephesians 2:1-13) that teaches us that we must deny ungodliness and worldly lusts (consider Romans 6:1-2, 1 John 2:15-17).

    If we have truly learned Christ – heard the gospel message (the grace of God that brings salvation) and been taught by His word, instructions, and conduct (consider 1 John 2:3-6) – then we will “no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind” but instead we will “put off… [our] former conduct, the old man (of sin) which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts” (Ephesians 4:17-24).

    Sinful conduct will only grow more corrupt and will only lead us further into the pits of corruption when we mindlessly follow after lusts thinking that they will give us what we need. We must see sin for what it truly is and deny ungodliness and worldly lusts!

deny means to renounce, forsake, to turn your back on, you show yourself (by acts and conduct) to be wholly estranged from it

ungodliness means a lack of respect toward God, showing itself in bold irreverence (ungodly thoughts and deeds), and a refusal to give honour where honour is due

worldly lusts means a lust (corrupt desire) and longing for what is forbidden

    God’s word tells us clearly what to pursue and what to flee (ex: 2 Timothy 2:22), what to cling to and what to abhor (ex: Romans 12:9), what to put on and what to put off (ex: Colossians 3:1-17). Our Father provided His word for this very reason (2 Timothy 3:16-17, Hebrews 5:14) – that‘s how much He loves us and wants us to overcome our bad habits – He tells us the way (John 14:6, Matthew 7:21), He lights the path (Psalm 119:105), and He even provided us with the perfect example in whose footsteps we can follow (1 Peter 2:20-24)!

    Open your eyes to your habits: Are you consuming your time with TV shows, movies, music, books/magazines, or online media that contain inappropriate and sinful content? Are you lusting after a celebrity or someone in your life you have no right to? Do you embrace negative thinking and nurture anxious thoughts? Do you find yourself complaining, fuming, and losing your temper on a regular basis? Do you spend more time with the world than you do in the word of God? Do you sound more like those in the world than a child of God? Are you more interested in spending time with your friends in the world than your acquaintances in the church? Do you prioritize family events/celebrations over church attendance? Do you put yourself (your feelings, your desires, etc.) ahead your responsibilities to God? Do you secretly judge your sisters in Christ? Do you privately slander your brethren? Do you keep your distance from those who keep stumbling in their walk so you can continue to look down on them? Do you steer clear of work in the church and then openly complain about what is lacking? These are just a few bad habits that we can have that exhibit ungodliness and give the devil a foothold in our lives (Ephesians 4:25-27), allowing him ample opportunity to deceive us into further corruption!

“And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts. (Romans 13:11-14 NKJV)

    We are not guaranteed tomorrow, we must make appropriate use of Today. Let’s determine to make this Day One of our pursuit to prove, to ourselves and others, that we are on God’s side, that our desire is for Him and His way (Psalm 27:8)! Let’s determine to take full account of our conduct and habits, prayerfully removing every sinful one, so we can glorify God in all that we do and flourish even more in 2024!         

You can do it! So can I!!