Stop Normalizing Habits That Go Against God’s Word



Too many Christians today act like certain habits are no big deal. Cursing, little white lies, hanging out with the wrong crowd, and listening to music that goes against God’s Word—these things are everywhere, and people just shrug them off. But God doesn’t see them as harmless, and neither should we.

Cursing isn’t just “words.” James 3:10 says, “Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.” And Ephesians 4:29 tells us to only speak words that build others up. Every time we curse, we’re not honoring God, and we’re hurting our own witness. Words matter—they can bless or destroy—and God expects us to bless.

Little white lies are still lies. Proverbs 12:22 says, “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.” Don’t kid yourself thinking small lies are harmless. They chip away at trust and integrity. God wants us to be honest, plain and simple.

Bad company really does corrupt. 1 Corinthians 15:33 says, “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’” Hanging out with people who live in sin or don’t care about God can pull you down, even if it feels fun at the moment. Surround yourself with people who encourage your faith, not tempt you to compromise.

Watch what you let in your mind. Philippians 4:8 tells us to focus on what’s true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and praiseworthy. Psalm 101:3 adds, “I will have no part in what is vile.” Music shapes your heart. If it’s glorifying sin, lust, or rebellion, it’s not just background noise—it’s influencing your thoughts and actions.

We need to stop pretending these habits are normal. God calls us to holiness. Ignoring Him isn’t harmless—it’s dangerous. So speak truth, live with integrity, choose friends wisely, and guard what you allow into your heart and mind. Being holy isn’t optional—it’s what following Christ is all about.

Cursing / Speech

James 3:10 – “Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.”

Ephesians 4:29 – “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”


Lying / Little White Lies

Proverbs 12:22 – “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.”

Colossians 3:9 – “Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices.”


Bad Company / Fellowship

1 Corinthians 15:33 – “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’”

Proverbs 13:20 – “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”


Music / What We Let Into Our Minds

Philippians 4:8 – “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

Psalm 101:3 – “I will not look with approval on anything that is vile. I hate what faithless people do; I will have no part in it.”

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