12 "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us," Hebrews 12:1 (ESV)

Have you ever paid attention to the reality that it’s easier to pick up bad habits than it is to get rid of them? 

• What are some your bad habits?
• What sin in your life is causing distractions? Keeping you from focusing spiritually??

Here’s a glance into why it’s so hard for many to get rid of your bad habits:

1. Because you’ve held on to them for a long time. You didn’t collect your habits, hurts, and hang-ups overnight. Many of these patterns were established over a length of time. They become familiar. Even if they aren’t helpful, you hang on to them. Studies have shown that it takes a little as 7 days to create a habit, but more than 90 days to break it. 
2. Because you identify with them. We often confuse and attach our identity with our defects, or we even allow others the power to do so.  And most times it causes many to have an unconscious fear of change. This can also make people believe that they cannot change. 
3. Because Satan fights it. Satan doesn’t want you to be transformed and set free. The moment you get serious about changing, he starts whispering to you, “Who do you think you are? You can’t change. You’ve tried to change in the past; it won’t work. You may as well give up!” He wants you to be comfortable being the worst version of yourself. He doesn’t want you to see yourself as God sees you. 

Cleaning up, changing, becoming a better you is never easy. It takes time. You will have to remind yourself of your identity in Christ; makes no difference in how new or old you are in the faith. The text says, “Lay aside every weight, and the sin that clings so closely.”

For every bad habit you can identify, replace it with a good habit that will help you become more Christlike.   Also rely on the Holy Spirit, whose power in you is greater than Satan’s attacks. This mindset will help you to live better, eat better, become healthier, and experience an incredible life.