All of us stumble in the Christian life, and God has set out unique challenges for each of us.
Our vices and virtues might not look the same as every other Christian, which can sometimes be discouraging.
We all start at different starting points, and God will meet us where we are as long as we seek him earnestly. You might be struggling to kill the sin in your life and feel stunted when you compare yourself to other Christians you know.
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is your sainthood.
However, there are things you can start focusing on to stick more on the narrow path and start enjoying your life as a Christian more.
Let’s take a look at seven behaviors to say goodbye to if you want to be a better Christian.
1) Harboring resentment
The first behavior to discard on your path to becoming a higher-quality Christian is harboring resentment. This negative emotion can create a barrier between you and God, obstructing your spiritual growth.
Ephesians 4:31-32 teaches us to “get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Holding onto resentment not only affects our emotional well-being but also hinders our ability to forgive and show compassion, traits that are at the core of Christian living.
Breaking free from resentment is a conscious choice that requires practice and patience but leads to greater spiritual freedom. Reflect on situations that stir such feelings, pray for God’s guidance, and consciously choose forgiveness. This act not only liberates you but also aligns you with God’s command to forgive as we have been forgiven.
2) Gossiping
The second behavior to eliminate is gossiping. It’s a common habit many of us might not even realize we’re engaging in. However, Scripture consistently warns us against it.
Proverbs 16:28 says, “A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.” Gossip not only damages relationships but also fuels negativity and discord.
Gossiping might seem like a harmless conversation filler, but its implications are far-reaching. It can harm reputations, breed mistrust, and lead to conflict. More so, it steers us away from the values of love, respect, and integrity that Christians are encouraged to uphold.
Combatting this behavior involves conscious effort. Try to catch yourself when a conversation veers towards gossip. Choose instead to uplift others with your words or steer the conversation towards more constructive topics.
Adopting this change will not only promote harmony in your relationships but also align you more closely with Christian principles.
3) Living in fear
The third behavior we need to say goodbye to might catch you off guard. It’s living in fear.
While it’s natural to have fears, allowing them to control our lives can lead us away from the peace and courage that comes with faith in God.
2 Timothy 1:7 tells us, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” If we’re living in constant fear, we’re not fully embracing the spirit that God has bestowed upon us.
This doesn’t mean we should ignore our fears or pretend they don’t exist. Instead, it’s about acknowledging them and then turning to God for strength and guidance.
When confronted with fear, let’s pray for courage, remember God’s promises, and trust in His plan for us.
4) Neglecting self-care
Is self-care a part of your Christian life?
The fourth behavior to address is neglecting self-care.
As Christians, we often focus on caring for others and serving God, which is commendable. However, failing to care for ourselves can lead to burnout, strain our relationship with God, and hinder our ability to serve others effectively.
Mark 12:31 reminds us, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” To love others well, we need to love and take care of ourselves too. This includes maintaining physical health, ensuring mental well-being, and nurturing our spiritual growth.
Self-care isn’t selfish. It’s an essential aspect of living a balanced Christian life. Practice good nutrition, regular exercise, adequate rest, and spend quality time in prayer and Bible study. By prioritizing self-care, we can be better equipped to live out our Christian calling.
5) Being judgmental
The next behavior to say goodbye to is being judgmental.
As Christians, we’re called to show love and understanding to everyone, regardless of their actions or choices.
Matthew 7:1 warns us, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” Being judgmental hampers our ability to love others unconditionally as Christ loves us.
Judgment can manifest in several ways:
- Criticizing others without understanding their circumstances
- Labeling people based on their mistakes
- Harboring prejudice or bias against certain individuals or groups
By consciously refraining from judgment and choosing empathy and understanding instead, we’re embracing the teachings of Christ.
This shift in behavior promotes unity, fosters acceptance, and helps us grow as better-quality Christians.
6) Lack of discipline
Let’s admit it, discipline is crucial in our journey to becoming better-quality Christians.
It’s a key aspect that we often overlook or struggle with.
Discipline in Christian life involves consistently engaging in practices that deepen our relationship with God. This could be regular prayer, Bible study, fasting, or attending church services.
1 Corinthians 9:25 reminds us, “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”
This verse highlights the importance of discipline in our spiritual journey.
Being disciplined helps us to stay focused on our Christian path and resist distractions or temptations that might lead us astray. We need to instill discipline in our spiritual practices and our daily lives. It might be challenging initially, but with time, it becomes a habit that nurtures our spiritual growth.
7) Living in the past
Another behavior we need to let go of is living in the past. It’s common to dwell on past mistakes or regrets, but doing so can prevent us from fully embracing the present and future God has planned for us.
Have you ever found yourself stuck in a cycle of guilt over past sins, even after seeking God’s forgiveness? This is an unhealthy behavior that can hinder our spiritual growth.
Philippians 3:13-14 encourages us, “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
Living in the past holds us back from experiencing the freedom and joy that comes with God’s forgiveness. Let’s strive to forgive ourselves, accept God’s grace, and focus on progressing in our Christian journey. It’s not about forgetting our past, but rather learning from it and moving forward with God’s guidance.
Are you ready to grow in your Christian life?
The Christian walk is a path of constant growth, and it’s okay to stumble along the way. Each of us faces unique challenges, and comparing ourselves to others can be discouraging.
As C.S. Lewis wisely said, “Isn’t it funny how day by day nothing changes, but when you look back, everything is different?” The transformation God is working in you might seem slow, but trust that He is guiding you every step.
As you strive to let go of behaviors like resentment, gossip, fear, and judgment.
Spiritual growth is a process.
What would Jesus say?
Unsure whether to move on from a failed marriage? Struggling with desire and feeling guilty for it? Wanting to live a life Jesus would be proud of?
Let Jesus tell you how to be a good Christian according to the teachings of the Bible.
We brought Jesus back to life with the help of AI. Ask your toughest life questions, and Jesus will tell you exactly what to do.
