The Seven Habits of Highly Ineffective Christians
by Rusty Miller
Have you ever wondered why some people lose their faith, while others never do? What is it that makes certain Christians stronger than others? What causes people who were baptized into Christ and were once very excited about their new life with Him to turn around and become slaves to sin again? In this issue, we will examine seven habits which cause people to fall away from God. While this may seem a negative way of approaching the subject, it will be clear that if these habits break Christians, then the opposite habits will help to make them.
The most common habit which will destroy a Christian's faith is friendship with the world, for it is the world from which we are called out to serve Christ, and what it holds causes separation from God (1 Jn. 2:15-17). Common sense dictates that we recognize this important Biblical truth; it is easily seen that if we constantly associate with worldly people, if we partake in the world's supposed pleasures, if we are enamored with the world's charms, we will become more worldly. It could not be more simple.
Understanding this classic truth, we are to realize that what the world offers, while momentarily pleasurable, pales in comparison to the blessings of being in Christ (Heb. 11:24-26). It would be silly for us to deny that much of what makes sin (and thus, the world) attractive is that Satan has made it fun! That short term fun however, is less appealing when the end result is considered (For reference, read Prov. 23:29-35 concerning the plight of those attracted by alcohol). Part of being a mature Christian is learning to be able to look to the end of the road and choose more wisely than those who can only see what is before them. A home with God, and an earnest desire to please Him should be incentive enough to prevent returning to the world.
When we choose to expose ourselves to the dangers of the world, we lack the desire to truly serve God, for Paul tells us that those things are to be put out of our lives (Col. 3:5-9). These things once characterized us, but now we are to bring forth different fruits in our daily walk (Col. 3:10-17). It may take great work to eliminate certain enticements. We may have to say goodbye to friends who cannot help us to walk with God. We may have to memorize a Bible verse or passage and tie it in our minds to whatever worldly charm is hindering us, so that whenever temptation is present, the verse springs to mind to lead us instead.
""Friendship with the world is hostility toward God"" (Jas. 4:4). Thus, the Christian who seeks to live in Him will eliminate this costly habit from their lives.