Experts say that it takes three weeks to break a habit and three weeks to form a new one. That may be a bit over generalized, but the principle is true. It takes work to stop doing harmful things as well as beginning positive ones. If we give in to every desire and urge it will take a toll. Sin does the same job. If we don’t put it to death, we will be a slave to our passions. Fortunately, Christ died once for our sins, and we can live a life free of sins bondage. It’s out with the old and in with the new life.
Romans 6:10-13
For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions.
Once was enough
Jesus’ atoning work on the cross was a one time act that impacts everyone. He doesn’t have to die over, and over every time we sin, once was enough for everyone. Christ did it for us, but even more, he did it out of obedience to his father. That selfless act allows us to be free of the chains that sin puts on us and makes us alive to God.
Change your perspective
We need to decide that we are dead to sin and alive to Christ. The power of positive thought doesn’t do the trick, but it does change our perspective. Too many times we have focused on our sin and not our new life. Consider yourself dead to sin and step into the life God has given you. Seek forgiveness for the struggles you currently have and ask the Holy Spirit to breathe new life into your soul.
Make the change today
Being alive to God in Christ Jesus means that we are committing to live our lives for him. Our old way of life needs to change. We need to stop doing those things that lead us into sin. We also need to decide to start some new steps that will lead to spiritual growth. Maybe it is serving in your local church or charity that gives back to the community or perhaps it is getting involved in a Bible study outside of Sunday services where you can meet people who will encourage you in your new life. Whatever it needs to be, make that decision today and take steps toward it.