“Good habits are hard to develop and bad habits are hard to break. This is especially true when it comes to mindsets. . . . But seeing it and doing something about it are two very different things. . . . Unfortunately, habits don’t die easily, and the ones you didn’t even know you had die even more slowly.”- Chip Ingram
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”- Romans 12:2 (NIV)
In Chapter 2 (“How to Develop Your Focus”) of I Choose Joy, Chip Ingram acknowledges that the ‘try harder to do better’ behavior modification approach falls short. Because needed change must center on your focus and outlook. And that means you must change your thinking.
As a result, Chip takes a look at how the apostle Paul modeled this for us. Certainly, Pastor Ingram notes, we tend to view Paul as a super-apostle. A great example, but an example we can never hope to live up to.
However, Chip stresses, Paul never identified with that image. In addition, that image fails as an accurate picture of Paul’s spiritual life — or ours. For Paul didn’t naturally choose joy. Rather, he needed to learn it — just like we do. Therefore, Chip exhorts and cautions:
“We therefore need to resist the temptation to read Paul’s words in Philippians and think, Well, that’s Paul. Glad he can look at things that way. I’m not nearly there yet. No matter how difficult we think this is, it’s doable. God even empowers us to do it. Paul’s example really is meant for each and every one of us.”
In conclusion, Pastor Ingram outlines three keys to develop an upward focus like the apostle Paul. To transform through this dramatic shift in perspective. Most significantly, we find these three keys right there in Philippians 1:3-6.
Chip begins his look at the three keys in tomorrow’s blog.
Today’s question: Do you find it harder to develop good habits or break bad habits? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Praying with joy – feel like it?