Bad habits are difficult to shake off.  Until our conversion, our sinful nature was constantly creating and reinforcing patterns of behaviour which offend God (Ephesians 2:1-3).  Even after repenting and coming to know Jesus as Lord and Saviour, those habits still want to cling on tightly, even though Christ has set us free (Romans 7:18-23).  Paul does not shy away from this tension but wants to present our minds with a different way of thinking so that our lives might be transformed (Romans 12:1-2).

We like what we are used to and change is difficult. But what is the long term benefit of continuing in sinful habits? Only death! On the other hand, the long term benefit of salvation is eternal life. So in order to change the habits of a lifetime, we must not look back, but look forward ... and ask the question, "Where is this leading me?"

The verse, “When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness” takes us back to Jesus saying, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other.” (Luke 16:13).  If we love our sinful selves, we will hate God’s sacrificial love and the righteousness that flows from Him.  But if we love the Lord for all His love to us, then holiness becomes our character.

Walk free! Christ has set you free so live in His freedom - the freedom from the slavery of sin (1 Peter 2:16).  Cultivate new habits which lead to holiness.  Satan would like us to live in the despair of yesterday, but the Lord wants us to live in the joyful anticipation of His eternal presence.  That is why we need to have renewed minds so that we can think of life in the right perspective - heaven and not hell.  If we are confident of heaven, let us get in practice for living there!