Unhealthy repetitive behaviors are often difficult to overcome. But there’s an approach we can take that will turn our situation around; it’s replacement theology. No, I’m not talking about the replacement theology that says the church replaces Israel. I’m talking about replacing wrong behaviors with healthy ones. For instance, in another post I wrote that we can replace unhealthy thoughts with hope filled ones. That’s replacement theology at work.

This simple approach is often overlooked. Instead, we believe the best way to deal with unhealthy behaviors is to ”Just Say No”. That works for sins that haven’t become ‘embedded’ in our lives; but it doesn’t work for behaviors that we’ve practiced for years and are rooted in our hearts.

Replacement theology recognizes that people need to have every area of their life filled, either with something healthy or destructive. Mere denial doesn’t acknowledge that. Jesus, though, understood that mankind’s nature requires us to be completed. That’s why he said he came to give us an abundant life. Jesus full life completely replaces the “empty way of life” (1 Peter 1:18) we inherited from our ancestors. Here’s an example of Jesus’ teaching on replacement theology:

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

John 10:10

Look at the contrast here. Satan wants to steal, kill and destroy; Jesus counters with an abundant life. That’s replacement theology.

The concept of replacement theology might seem obvious to us as we think about it now, but when we’re going through a situation that dominates us, we often fail to act on this principle. Instead of stopping ourselves and saying we can overcome by replacement, we fall back on the tactic of self-denial and try to “Just Say No” to what we’re currently practicing.

We do this because we’re impatient. Our shame, our situation; force us to provide an immediate response. But our rushed response isn’t effective. That’s because unhealthy behaviors are often supported in multiple ways. If we want victory that lasts, we need to ‘deconstruct’ each of the supporting elements that keep us in bondage. We deconstruct them by using replacement theology. We have to build healthy supports that take the place of the old ones.

One of the best places to begin building healthy supports is a local church. A strong group of believers can provide resources that will help you form a solid foundation for life.

Jesus isn’t in a hurry to clean us up. He wants us to dig deep and lay our foundation on solid ground, not shifting sand. Expect God to show you lasting replacements for the unhealthy behaviors you’re struggling with. Spend time in prayer seeking his wisdom and insight. He’ll direct you to alternatives that will produce a full life.