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Avoid Near Occasions

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Avoiding near occasions is one of the better habits to exercise every day. The Bible tells us, "Do not let your passions be your guide, but keep your desires in check." (Sirach 18:30) It also tells us to "offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, your spiritual worship." (Romans 12:1)

 

When you avoid near occasions that are or lead to a bad habit, you cooperate with God's grace to govern your senses and emotions to overcome unruly passions. The goal of this habit is to be intentional every day with avoiding near occasions and to replace them with one of the other better habits. Determine what specific near occasions you will avoid, and use habit strategies and these examples to help you avoid near occasions every day:

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• Sight. Any mobile devices, apps, websites, TV, movies, games, reading material, or any people, places, things, or situations that are or lead to a bad habit.

• Hearing. Any music, conversations, and all lies and deceptive behavior that are or lead to a bad habit.

• Touch. All sexual behavior outside unitive/procreative purpose within marriage, and any drugs, medications, and nicotine that are or lead to a bad habit.

• Taste. Any foods, drinks​, and alcohol that are or lead to a bad habit.​

• Smell. Any cologne, perfume​, or favorite food aromas that are or lead to a bad habit.

• Emotions. Any people, places, things, or situations that lead to emotions that trigger a bad habit.