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Key Bible Verse: Spend your time and energy in training yourself for spiritual fitness (1 Timothy 4:7). Bonus Reading: 2 Peter 1:5-8

When I began my relationship with Christ, I was "discipled" as to what I needed to do: pray, read my Bible, go to church, tithe … At the same time I was trying to stop swearing, manage my hormones, and demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit. I was also encouraged to join a small group and expected to begin a ministry. I tried, but it was too much to begin at the same time. I failed miserably—and came perilously close to abandoning all spiritual investments.

It's best to begin with one thing. Whether it's to rise at 5 a.m. or have a family meal three times a week, we should drive that single stake into the ground and do all we can to establish its place in our life. Once a behavior is maintained for six weeks, we're told, it has become a habit. And once a habit, it no longer demands emotional, physical, and mental energy to sustain. It's become part of who we are. Then we rise naturally at 5 a.m., or we naturally sit down together as a family to eat a meal on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

Once a single practice reaches this point, we're ready to add another to our life … then another.

—James Emery White in Serious Times

My Response: What one thing will I concentrate on for now?

Thought to Apply: Instantaneous leaps from conversion to consecration I fail to see in the Bible. But gradual growth in grace I see clearly taught and urged.  —Ryle (British pastor)

Adapted from Serious Times (InterVarsity, 2004) by permission.

Copyright © 2008 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.
Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Keep me, Lord, from settling for a holding pattern. Help me to realize steady growth in my walk with You.

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