“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” – Romans 12:2
The patterns we allow create a reality that we hate. When we eat bad, don’t get enough sleep and continually surround ourselves with people who make poor decisions, we create an atmosphere of negativity. But there is good news! If you are currently caught in a cycle of sin, mistakes or failure, there IS a way out. Your patterns either produce towards your purpose or your pain. Choose today to not conform to bad patterns but to change them. Here are six practical steps you can implement into your life that will lead to transformation:
I. Go To God
There is nothing wrong with modern medicine or counseling, but only the Creator can fix his creation. The most important thing you can do isn’t going to your best friend or family member, it’s getting into God’s presence and seeking His guidance first.
II. Make a Decision/ Share It
You need to come to a point where you are so sick and tired of the pattern you are in that you put your foot down and commit to change. Write it down and share it with someone who can keep you accountable and guide you towards true change.
III. Make An Action Plan
What steps will you begin to take to break the cycle you are in? What do you need to do? Who do you need to meet with? Come up with a practical plan to bring about change.
IV. Make It Measurable
Track your progress. Celebrate the wins that you have. Even when you mess up, your failures are not final or fatal, you are in the process of transformation.
V. Make A Massive Move
You need to symbolically remove the negative pattern in your life. If your problem is addiction, you need to install protection software on your computer, flush those pills down the toilet or choose a route home that doesn’t take you past the liquor store. You need to be so sick of your sin that you will do anything to be free from it.
VI. Keep At It
You are doing better than you think you are. Even the smallest amount of progress is something to rejoice over. Remember, it’s a process. New habits can sometimes take a long time to form. If God walked with the Israelites for 40 years, he will certainly walk with you while you are in your process.
Change is coming. It’s not too late- you have a God that loves you and is for you. He doesn’t want you just barely make it, he wants you to overcome!