Page 40 - First Steps 2023

• Choose to be prepared.
You know temptation is coming so be on the lookout for it. Install
software on your computer that filters out sites that take you where your
imagination shouldn’t go. Recognize the places and people who cause
you to stumble. Guard your heart and mind.
Paul put it this way:

“Each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is
holy and honorable” (1 Thessalonians 4:4).

Choose to build into your life these four basic disciplines of the faith:
prayer, Bible study, evangelism/discipleship, and fellowship. If you’re un-
sure what those are, ask your discipler.
You need them.

• Choose to make radical changes.
If you can’t handle something—if an addiction or sinful habit has you
by the throat—admit it and get help.
Jesus went over the top making the point this way:

“If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it
away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your
whole body to be thrown into hell” (Matthew 5: 29).

To be clear: Jesus didn’t mean that literally. Don’t go carving out eye-
balls or lopping off fingers. But catch his drift: Holiness is a big, big deal.
Be ready to do whatever it takes to embrace your new life in him.

• Choose to walk in faith.
Daily, look at Jesus and ask, “Where to today, Lord?”
You won’t be making the journey alone:

“And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been
poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been
given to us” (Romans 5:5).

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