Philippians 2:12 says “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”
This is one of two great verses to memorize from this chapter if you want to be free from habits, and if you want to start to have joy.
I don’t work out my salvation fully the way this verse says to. I don’t pay enough attention to the Bible verses that say what will happen if I ignore them. I assume everything will be okay.
Second, when we stop assuming and start repenting, everything starts to improve. When we start to believe and “live” this verse, everything starts to improve.
I need to stop chasing pleasure and other worthless things, and I need to think and pray about scripture more often. Consider praying:
“Father, help me to think, and pray about this verse often.”
Third, Philippians 2:15 says, do this that we may become: “Without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.”
God wants people who overcome and then shine. We are fighting sin so that we start to be a shining light to people who want help. Who want change.
Fourth, never say: “I can’t quit, or I will never be a shining light.”
Instead consider saying: I will quote these verses often. I will pray quitting prayers often. I will replace bad thoughts with saying: “Praise the Lord.” I will make it a priority to love God and love others.
Fifth, my daughter will be a senior on the varsity volleyball team this year. She has very little confidence. Her older sister was a star who won multiple championships.
The thing is: She has put in the work to be a champion. Others disagree with me when I say how dramatically she has improved. But, I will say it again: She has put in the work to overcome. I know that she will have a great season, she has put in the work.
Sixth, many are trying to add positive habits, and the success is so, so, slow. Just like my daughter, your belief is not super high today.
But, if you put in the work, you will overcome. I 100% believe that you will quit.
Finally, what if you just can’t do it? You are putting in all this work, and you just can’t make it. You have tried all of these techniques for months and you still can’t quit. Well, congratulations. You have put in the work. God was/is watching. When you ask Him for the 1800 time: “Please help me to quit,” you finally realize, now you are finally “truly” ready to quit. The reasons you were not ready to quit 2-4-6-12 weeks ago have been ironed out by putting in the work.
Keep working, that day will happen.
.
