4. Treat these sins as "bad habits" that need to be broken. Begin to practice the "put off—put on" principle (see the chapter on "Bad Habits"). This will be of great help. He or she should start with one aspect of the problem, focusing on it until it is under control, and then tackle successively other aspects until further progress is noted. It is often helpful to enlist one's spouse or a Christian friend to help monitor progress. Praying with this person on specific issues is also helpful.
5. Recommend getting involved in some form of Christian service through a Bible-teaching church. This could lead to more objective and constructive thinking which will aid in bringing his or her attitudes under control.
6. Encourage developing a thankful attitude toward life and toward the people who cross his or her path. Substituting praise for criticism is a good practice that provides encouraging results.
7. Pray with him or her personally for victory and a newfound joy in the Christian life.
Scripture
"A sound heart is life to the body, but envy is rottenness to the bones" (Proverbs 14:30).
"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory" (Colossians 3:1–4, NIV).
"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching" (Hebrews 10:24–25, NIV).
"Let your conduct be without covetousness, and be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you'" (Hebrews 13:5).
Other suggested Scriptures:
Proverbs 27:4 1 Corinthians 3:3
FAITH, LACK OF
Background
Inquirers often express the need for more faith. We could define faith as a total commitment to everything God is, does, and says. It is staking our life on the reality of His trustworthiness. But unless faith becomes operative in our own life, it is only a word. The most well-known definition of faith in Scripture is a functional one; it does not tell us what faith actually is, but what it will do for us:
"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see" (Hebrews 11:1, NIV).
The Gospel is a way of faith. The Christian life is a walk of faith. Faith pleases God and He rewards it: "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him" (Hebrews 11:6, NIV).
Billy Graham has said, "Faith will manifest itself in three ways: in doctrine, worship, and fellowship. It will manifest itself in morality in the way we live and behave. The Bible also teaches that faith does not end with trust in Christ for our salvation. Faith continues! Faith grows! It may be weak at first, but it will become stronger as we begin to read the Bible, pray, go to church, and experience God's faithfulness in our Christian life."
Helping Strategy For the Non-Christian:
If your inquirer speaks of faith in such a way as to reveal that he or she lacks understanding of saving faith, share "Steps to Peace with God," page 11. Emphasize that only by faith can we know God. Entering into a right relationship with Him through Jesus Christ means a commitment by faith to His person and work as expressed in His death on the cross and His resurrection: "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17). "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast" (Ephesians 2:8–9). Share "Assurance," page 15, and the chapter on "Assurance of Salvation."