Why Do I Do What I Don't Want to Do?Sýnishorn

In our first Scripture reading of this devotional series, the apostle Paul sums up the internal conflict he was feeling. He concludes, “I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing” (verse 19).

We are the same way! We want to pursue what is pure, true, righteous, and holy, but for some reason . . . we don’t. We do things that pull us away from Jesus. We run toward momentary pleasure or temporal satisfaction.

Why do we do what we don’t want to do? And what should we do instead?

A little later in the same letter, the apostle Paul points us to the answer. “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” (12:2).

At first glance, that sounds great in theory, but is it even possible to renew your mind? To put it simply: yes.

Over the past few decades, scientists have learned that you can, in fact, change (or renew) your mind. They have discovered something called neuroplasticity (neuro meaning “of the brain” and plasticity meaning that it can change because it is malleable and moldable). This is the idea that, if you stop a particular activity and replace it with another activity or thought pattern, that pathway in the brain atrophies and a new pathway is learned.

How about that? Thousands of years ago, Paul knew what he was talking about!

As you read about the vices and virtues described in the days ahead, you have the opportunity to renew your mind as you pursue the life Jesus has called you to. This is more than just behavior modification; it’s pursuing holiness because that’s the standard God has called believers to.

Remember: the only way to conquer a bad habit is to replace it with a better one.

In what ways have you felt frustrated with yourself about your behavior?