Bad Habits

coffee

Proverbs 26:11 & 12 “Like a dog that returns to its vomit is a fool who repeats his folly. Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.”

Often during a marriage one partner will do something that becomes a bad habit. This may bring great distress upon the other partner. For example, drinking can become utterly destructive, gambling has destroyed more homes than we can imagine. Pornography brings sleaziness into the home and with it comes a deadly addiction that brings destruction, guilt and disgust.

 

If these or other things are causing tension in your marriage are you willing to change? If there is an unwillingness to change then what can anybody do to save the marriage? If there are only superficial efforts to change to keep your spouse happy or at least to keep them hoping, your marriage is likewise doomed in the long run.

It’s much better to break with bad habits. Others can and you can too. It will be a signal to your spouse that you mean business. I know that breaking with bad or addictive habits is easier said than done. If the habit/addiction has reached a level where it is totally out of control then other professional interventions are needed. But if it is a habit that is in that stage where it is slowly developing and beginning to cause problems – then now is the time to stop. Remember bad habits are the result of sinful natures seeking meaning and purpose. We need someone to save us from ourselves and above all, God has given us a Saviour. What does a Saviour do? He saves! And the good news is that He stands ready to save you from your sin, selfishness and future judgement. In saving you He changes you and therein lies your hope of a transformed marriage. But without Jesus Christ there really is nowhere to go.

 

Prayer:

O God, I confess that instead of being addicted to you I have become the slave of other things. Please forgive me, help me, deliver me, save me. And may your name be glorified. Amen