Filling the void
Luke 11:24: "When an evil spirit comes out of a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.' When it arrives, it finds the house swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that man is worse than the first" (NIV).
When we are trying to change bad habits, it usually isn't enough just to stop the behavior. Even if we're successful, we often replace it with another behavior that is just as bad or worse! These verses remind us that it in seeking real and lasting change, we must fill the void of the bad habit with the truth of the Word and the power of the Holy Spirit.
As you encourage your kids to change negative behaviors, help them find positive, God-honoring substitutes.
