‘If you always do what you’ve always done you’ll always get what you always got’ – or put another way – ‘If you change nothing, nothing will change.’ Have you ever tried to break a bad habit? Or start a new one? It’s very hard to do. Why is that? Experts say that it takes three weeks to make or break a habit. Three weeks – that’s 21 days. Wow! That seems like a long time when you are trying to make a change. But in reality, three weeks is a very short time to invest in something that may help change who you are or what you do for the rest of your life. And who doesn’t want to improve their life in some way or another? The key to real change is discipline and accountability.
The idea of change applies to more than just individuals – businesses, churches, community groups, etc… All organizations struggle with discipline and accountability just like many who struggle personally with diet and exercise. However, without discipline and accountability, optimal results are difficult to achieve, personally or corporately.
What would you like to change about yourself? For me, it was about five years ago. I was challenged in church to read my bible every day for a month. I had always tried to do it at night before bed, but all too often I found myself falling asleep after a long day. I decided to make a change. I was determined to do this so I got up 15 minutes earlier every morning to read and do devotions. That one change made a huge difference for me, as I am still in the habit of reading my bible every day. And there’s no better way to start the day than in God’s word.
Joshua 1:8 ~ Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.
“Dear Lord and Heavenly Father, help us be disciplined enough to make the necessary changes in our lives that are honoring and pleasing to you. It’s not easy, but with your help, we can break those chains that bind us. It’s in the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.”