The 5 Most Common Bad Habits Every Christian Should Break

Did you know that there are bad habits that we should get rid of if we want to be effective Christians? Yes, that’s right. Today, I want to talk about 5 of the most common bad habits we should break. By knowing these bad habits, we will have a better way of knowing how to live a more blessed life.

Do you have bad habits?

I want to talk about something we all deal with—bad habits. As Christians, we’re called to live lives that reflect Christ’s love and teachings, but let’s face it, we all have habits that can sometimes get in the way of that. Breaking these habits isn’t just about self-improvement; it’s about growing closer to God and becoming the best version of ourselves. So, let’s dive into the five most common bad habits every Christian should break.

1. Negative Self-Talk

How often do you catch yourself thinking, “I’m not good enough” or “I always mess things up”? Negative self-talk is a trap we can easily fall into. But remember, we are made in God’s image and are deeply loved by Him. When we put ourselves down, we’re not honoring the person God created us to be.

How to Break It: Start by catching those negative thoughts and replacing them with affirmations from Scripture. Instead of “I can’t do this,” say, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). (By the way, you should also know the shocking truth about Philippians 4:13.)

2. Condemning Others

It’s easy to look at others and think, “Well, at least I’m not like them.” But Jesus taught us to remove the plank from our own eye before pointing out the speck in someone else’s (Matthew 7:3-5). Condemning others not only harms our relationships but also prevents us from showing Christ’s love and grace.

How to Break It: Practice empathy and try to see others through God’s eyes. Everyone is on their own journey, and it’s not our place to condemn. Pray for a heart that loves and understands rather than one that condemns. [Is it wrong for Christians to judge?]

3. Neglecting Prayer and Bible Study

In our busy lives, it’s easy to let prayer and Bible study fall by the wayside. But these are essential for our spiritual growth and relationship with God. When we neglect these practices, we miss out on the guidance, peace, and strength that come from spending time with Him.

How to Break It: Set aside specific times each day for prayer and Bible reading. Start with just a few minutes and gradually increase. Make it a non-negotiable part of your routine, like brushing your teeth.

4. Gossiping

Gossip might seem harmless, but it can cause real damage. It can hurt people’s reputations, create divisions, and foster a negative atmosphere. Ephesians 4:29 reminds us to only speak what is helpful for building others up according to their needs.

How to Break It: Before speaking about someone, ask yourself if what you’re about to say is kind, true, and necessary. If it doesn’t pass this test, it’s best to keep it to yourself.

5. Holding Grudges

Forgiveness is a cornerstone of Christian faith. Jesus taught us to forgive others as God forgives us (Matthew 6:14-15). Holding onto grudges and bitterness harms our hearts and hinders our spiritual growth.

How to Break It: Practice forgiveness daily, even for small offenses. Pray for those who hurt you and ask God to help you let go of any resentment. Remember, forgiveness is a gift you give yourself as much as it is to the other person. [Is forgive and forget biblical?]

Learn more about breaking bad habits

Breaking bad habits isn’t easy, but with God’s help, it’s definitely possible. By addressing these common habits, we can grow in our faith and live more fully in the freedom and joy that Christ offers. If you’re looking for more guidance on developing good habits and breaking bad ones, I invite you to check out my online course, “The 7 Powerful Habits of Highly Effective Christians.” Together, we can take steps towards a healthier, more Christ-centered life.

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