Prepare to Quit AlcoholSample

Romans 12:2 (NIV) 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.

Mindful Minute: There is no truer verse to meditate on considering how often and easily we find ourselves caught up in the things of this world. This verse is powerful in its reality, especially when we feel we are stuck in a pattern of using a substance that has taken control of our lives. The psychological slavery that we experience from using alcohol is the opposite of the freedom in Christ that we are promised as believers (Galatians 5:1).

When we choose alcohol or other substances for that matter, we are choosing the world. Yet, this verse instructs us to understand that the patterns of this world are not from God. Romans 12:2 also goes on to tell us to test and approve these things so that we can understand what is “good, pleasing, and perfect” in His will. You should congratulate yourself, because you are testing right now through the reading of this devotional. You already understand that excessive drinking does not produce anything easily labeled as good, pleasing, or perfect in His will. The recognition of this essential fact is the perfect starting place for healing to occur.

This verse emphasizes the importance of patterns (of this world)—repeated thoughts and behaviors that shape our lives. Misdirected patterns lead us astray, but creating new ones aligned with God’s will can set us on the right path to freedom. This verse tells us that we can renew our minds this way. Our God-designed brains are built to save energy by automating repeated tasks, making everyday activities like driving to and from work or tying our shoelaces effortless. Through the practice of new thoughts and behaviors, our brains rewire to strengthen these patterns. The brain is neutral, though. It’s like a tape recorder. It doesn’t distinguish between positive or negative habits and patterns of behavior. Whatever we repeat and practice over and over again rewires our brains into new pathways. Neuroscience affirms this truth, aligning with what God’s Word has always taught us about our ability to renew our minds.

One of the key principles in preparing to quit is to begin “testing” the things that are good and pleasing to Him. This means that you should start becoming aware of and documenting the deceptions involved with this substance. Test what it is costing your relationships. Test what it is costing your productivity. Test what it is costing your mental health. Test what it is costing your overall health. Test what it is costing in your finances. And test what it is costing your relationship with your Heavenly Father. This awareness is the perfect starting point for being prepared to quit.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word today. I am grateful to know and understand that I should not conform to worldly patterns, and I want to test those things that are good and pleasing to you in order to develop a new pattern that will renew my mind. I pray for a convicted heart as I document what is good and pleasing and perfect in your will. In Jesus name, Amen.