Before approaching a person on the matter of overcoming any specific evil habit, I would preface my appeal with one or more studies on the love of God, and our response to it. I would point out both our responsibility and privilege as Christians to manifest our appreciation of Christ's sacrifice on the cross by living clean, wholesome lives. By exalting the theme of God's love to us, I would try to help the reader realize not only the sinfulness of sin but the fact that God loves the sinner and invites him to come to Jesus just as he is (Matt. 11:28).
Next, I would refer to Creation. God made man perfect; his thoughts were pure, his habits holy, just, and good. I would remind my reader of former studies on the inception of sin, and why God permitted it. We were born in sin. Our hearts are evil, and of ourselves we cannot change them. The carnal mind is enmity against God (Rom. 8:7), and therefore we need more than human power to bring us into right relationship with Him. I might also remind him of Paul's experience when he felt that he could not attain righteousness, and cried out, "O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" (Rom. 7:24). The words of John, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1:29), are a fitting answer to this question. Again, I would speak of God's great love for us and of His yearning desire that all sinners should be saved.
At this point I would try to impress upon my reader the finality with which God deals with sin (Rom. 6:23). By now he would understand the meaning and significance of the expression "the transgression of the law," and its importance in our lives. I would be very careful but direct in pointing out that usually we do wrong because we want to do it, not because we do not know it is wrong. This is the outstanding reason why we sin. We have the classic verse in James 4:17 that supports this statement. When we know a thing is right and neglect to do it, we sin.
Here again, the question of our inability to overcome becomes apparent. We could present helpful texts such as 1 Corinthians 10:13, John 15:5, and others, and call attention to the joy of the person who claims this power and receives pardon for sin (Ps. 32:1, 2). Also 1 Corinthians 10:14, Romans 12:21, James 4:7, 8, and Hebrews 12:4 could be used with the object of planting them in the mind for future use in dealing with specific evil habits.
Sensing the human tendency to put things off, I would before closing this study make an appeal for immediate action against all evil habits. We are told that thousands have erred on this point to their eternal loss (Steps to Christ, p. 32). I would enlarge upon the fact that one sin in our lives is sufficient to neutralize the power of the gospel for our salvation. Then I would point to Christ as our Advocate today, and pray that my reader should make his decision at once (2 Cor. 6:2).
Some suggestions to those facing the following specific habit problems may be helpful.
Victory Over the Cigarette Habit
To the man fighting the cigarette habit the message of Romans 12:1 carries a pointed appeal. Any man who wants to be a Christian readily understands that he should present his body as a holy, living sacrifice to God. I usually ask the one to whom I am giving the study if he thinks the body of Jesus was tainted with tobacco smoke when He was on this earth. I have not yet met a man who thought so. Jesus, our only true example, offered His life as a sacrifice for sin and it was accepted by God. In making our "living sacrifice" we should follow Christ's example. Another reason for maintaining clean bodies is that they may be fit for the indwelling of the Spirit. The warning about contaminating our bodies is very strong.
"If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy" (1 Cor. 3:17).
The texts on overcoming evil habits are very encouraging. While God's judgments seem severe, there need be no cause for fear. He provides a "way to escape" for all of us (1 Cor. 10:13). This avenue to escape is not arbitrarily thrown in our way. We have to make an effort by resisting and fighting constantly against temptation (James 4:7).
These scriptures bring us to the opportune moment for a decision. After the reading of Hebrews 12:4, such questions as the following can be asked:
"Do you really want to quit smoking?" "Do you believe God can take the desire away from you?" "Are you willing to let Him take it away?" In my opinion there is' value in using as a climax the stronger question—although one must lead up to it carefully and slowly—the question is "Are you willing to die rather than take another smoke?" Sometimes the answer is No. More frequently, however, the reply is in the affirmative. When the answer is Yes, we gather up all the tobacco around the place and dispose of it. Then we join in fervent prayer for God's conquering power.
Practical suggestions should be made, such as the eating of plenty of fruit, the advisability of having candy of some kind in what was formerly the regular cigarette pocket and then, if the desire to smoke comes, of putting one in the mouth instead of the usual cigarette. This procedure has helped many. I also advise staying away from old smoker friends for a few days or more, and suggest that when they do meet again the nonsmoker slap them on the back and say, "You know, fellows, I have quit smoking and I certainly feel much better." This approach allays the fear of being asked to join in smoking and of being embarrassed about saying No. It also strengthens the will power and lessens the danger of slipping and accepting a cigarette. I find this suggestion to be especially helpful. But along with all these aids there must be much prayer and Bible study.
Victory Over the Liquor Habit
After doing some reading in the books How to Help an Alcoholic, Alcoholism or Abstinence, and Escape From Alcohol, I have arrived at one simple conclusion: Unless the person bound by this vice is ready to turn himself over to God, there is very little help for him. I believe that the first objective in helping the alcoholic is to bring him to Christ.
After a man realizes that only God can help him, and after he has surrendered to God, then all the practical phases enter into it. First among these is not to associate with those who drink. Many times it means cutting off old friends of long standing, but it is a matter of life and death and must be done. It is a good idea for a man to tell others that he no longer drinks. This fortifies his own faith and lessens the likelihood of his being invited to take a drink. A sort of pride enters in with this plan. Once he has stated that he has quit drinking, he must keep his word, and of course this helps him to go straight. A constant looking to God for strength is essential.
Helping others to overcome the habit is also good for one who has recently won the battle. The friendly encouragement of sympathetic and understanding Christians is needed. Repeating scripture, or reading it from the Bible that has now replaced the flask, is good psychology. A balanced diet and plenty of sleep are particularly beneficial.
Victory Over Questionable Amusements
The texts and principles for overcoming all evil habits apply here. It is the old question of wanting or not wanting to do a thing. The whole problem was solved in my mind a long time ago, and the solution still serves as my guide in all walks of life. When, for example, the question comes up, "Is it wrong to go to the dance?" I find that the answer is also the answer to another question: "Can I take Jesus with me there?" If this can be answered in the affirmative, then it is all right. This is sufficient for me, and should be for all Christians. The Bible counsel to overcome evil with good is excellent advice. Outdoor recreation, and brisk, active missionary work, as suggested by Ellen G. White, is often a satisfying outlet for the enthusiasm and energy of young people.
Those coming into the church are usually quite ready to see that we are on Satan's ground when we attend these places, and are glad to follow our practice of non-attendance.
At times I have presented my best arguments and read the best Bible texts I could find to young people only to find them still unbelieving. But when I asked the question, "What would Jesus do?" their response was different. When a sincere person is faced with the acceptance or the rejection of Jesus in these matters, he will do some serious thinking.
To fill the mind with good things, and to keep the hands and feet busy doing good, will eliminate much of the desire to venture onto the stamping ground of the devil. But only much prayer and earnest Bible study will supply the faith one needs to overcome all evil.