MAX ON LIFE

51. I'm a new Christian. Over the years I've developed a lot of bad habits. How do I get rid of them now?

By developing good ones. Here are four to start with:

First, the habit of prayer: "Base your happiness on your hope in Christ. When trials come, endure them patiently; steadfastly maintain the habit of prayer" (Rom 12:12, emphasis mine). Posture, tone, and place are personal matters. Select the form that works for you. But don't think about it too much. Better to pray awkwardly than not at all.

Second, the habit of study: "The man who looks into the perfect mirror of God's law.... and makes a habit of so doing, is not the man who sees and forgets. He puts that law into practice and he wins true happiness" (James 1:25, emphasis mine ).

Third, the habit of giving: "On every Lord's Day each of you should put aside something from what you have earned during the week, and use it for this offering. The amount depends on how much the Lord has helped you earn" (1 Cor 16:2, emphasis mine). You don't give for God's sake. You give for your sake. "The purpose of tithing is to teach you always to put God first in your lives" (Deut 14:23).

And last of all, the habit of fellowship: "Let us not give up the habit of meeting together, as some are doing. Instead, let us encourage one another" (Heb 19:25, emphasis mine). You need support. You need what the Bible calls fellowship. And you need it every week.

Four habits worth having. Isn't it good to know that some habits are good for you?

By: Max Lucado