Victory Over Old Habits

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“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.” — Colossians 3:1

This week we’ve walked through Colossians 3’s blueprint for the transformed life: putting off the old self, being renewed in knowledge, putting on Christ’s character, and letting His word dwell richly within us. Today, Paul’s vision comes full circle with a sobering reminder: this is a daily battle.

The old habits don’t surrender easily. Paul knew this. That’s why he used military language—”put to death” (v. 5), “put off” (v. 8), “put on” (v. 12). This is active, ongoing warfare. Hereditary tendencies, ingrained patterns, the comfortable sins we’ve rationalized for years—they all resist transformation.

But here’s the gospel truth buried in Colossians 3: Christ has already won this war. You were “raised with Christ” (v. 1, past tense). The old self has been put off, the new self has been put on (v. 9-10). The victory is already yours; the daily fight is learning to walk in what’s already true.

Ellen White captures this beautifully: “It is not enough to begin well… Daily they must renew their consecration to God, and daily obtain grace and power from heaven, to maintain their consecration” (Review & Herald, Feb 12, 1895).

Here’s the practical challenge: What one old habit will you submit to Christ’s power today?

Maybe it’s that critical spirit that creeps into your thoughts. Maybe it’s the entertainment choices that dull your spiritual edge. Maybe it’s the anger that flares when you’re challenged, or the anxiety that refuses to trust God’s timing.

Paul’s solution isn’t willpower—it’s focus. “Set your mind on things above” (v. 2). You can’t white-knuckle your way to holiness, but you can fix your eyes on Jesus. The more clearly you see Him—His love, His righteousness, His sufficiency—the less appealing the old patterns become.

This is how we become “heavenly-minded” enough to be of earthly use. Not by escaping our struggles, but by bringing them daily to the One who has power for “moral and spiritual perfection” (Colossians 3:14, margin note).

The battle continues, but the outcome is certain. Today, renew your consecration. Bring that stubborn habit to the foot of the cross. And watch what Christ can do with a life that’s fixed on things above.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You know the old patterns I’m still fighting. Today I surrender them again—not in my strength, but Yours. Fix my eyes on You. Let Your word dwell richly in me. Renew my mind until the old ways lose their grip. In Your victorious name, Amen.

— Ezra