When we become a Christian and dedicate our lives to God, we are told we are made new.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

This is so much easier said than done. It can be (is) very difficult to put away your old patterns of behaviour or thought.

When one first becomes a Christian or rededicates their life to Christ, it can be a little difficult to change your ways. It does get easier the more time you spend with God.

Unfortunately, life happens and temptation steps in. You spend less time with God, your past starts creeping into your thoughts.

If you are not careful, these thoughts can take over. It is then that you potentially start falling back into your old thought patterns and behaviours. This could include jealousy, gossiping, cursing and other inappropriate behaviour.

These behaviours can feel comfortable. You were used to them for so long. The devil loves to draw you back into his world and into your old habits and patterns.

The unfortunate thing is these behaviours can also destroy your life. Imagine the alcoholic picking up a drink, a gambler sitting in on a poker game, a drug addict taking too many prescription medications. Even if your habits and behaviours are not like these, the lying, the secrets, Satan, will work on wrecking your life.

The only way to avoid all of this from happening is to stay focused on God and His truth. This will make it harder to fall into the temptation being waved in front of you like a carrot for the taking.

Today, I pray that whatever you are tempted by you will be able to resist, no matter how often you are tempted. If you do fall back into the old, negative patterns, I pray you will be able to make the break sooner rather than later.

“Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have out off the old self with its practices and have out on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its Creator.”

Colossians 3:9-10