Are Your Habits Holding You Back?

To what extent can our habits actually hinder our growth?

In life, there are different types of habits: some push us to break barriers and step out of the ordinary, while others—no matter how often we repeat them—don’t help us at all. For example, one habit we should never abandon is daily meditation and connection with the Word (the Bible), because the Bible was inspired and designed by God to produce transformation, change, and growth.

That’s why the Bible teaches us:

“Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and His disciples followed Him. When He reached the place, He said to them, ‘Pray that you will not fall into temptation.’” (Luke 22:39–40)

As mentioned, there are different types of habits. In these verses, we see a habit that goes beyond our own will. Gethsemane was a familiar place for the disciples—a place where they usually withdrew to pray. However, this time was different from what they were used to, and Jesus warned them to be prepared so they would not fall into temptation.

Unfortunately, the disciples did not surrender; they followed their own will and fell asleep. The only One who was truly prepared for what was coming was Jesus, because He surrendered completely—so much so that the Bible describes Him praying with sweat like drops of blood.

The disciples were overcome by their own flesh.

In our natural state, we also carry empty habits that don’t bring change—habits controlled by our greatest enemy: the flesh. We don’t take the time to think through our decisions or consider their consequences.

The disciples, even after being warned, did not take the time to pray or to speak with God about what was coming—a test that would deeply affect their soul, body, and mind.

So, when that moment arrived—just minutes later, when Jesus was arrested—they all fled, and Peter even denied Him three times (Luke 22:54–65). They were not being led by the Holy Spirit, but by their own will—the flesh

This is the reality for many people today: they are being warned about what they should do, but they simply don’t do it. They let their own will win. And we’re not talking about doing religious things—we’re talking about trusting.

We’re talking about recognizing our need for spiritual revelation, for total transformation, and for a real relationship with Him. So many people encounter someone who tries to share the Word (the Bible) with them, but instead of accepting that revelation, they remain stuck arguing internally with their own opinions. That’s how they stay stagnant, living the same life without any change—all because they hold onto habits that don’t bring real transformation.

The disciples had their opportunity to deny themselves and grow spiritually—but they didn’t take it in that moment. That’s why we must break away from what is familiar and comfortable to our own will—our flesh—in order to do what God wants. That is how we grow and become a blessing.