A major league baseball pitcher was having trouble. He started the season with a terrible record. After the mid-season break, though, things began to get better. He won four games in a row and suddenly became nearly unhittable. When asked what was different, he replied, "Mechanics."

In other words, he had corrected a bad habit in his pitching motion. After discovering the error, he practiced diligently to correct it. At first nothing felt right, but the longer he worked at it the better things got. The next time he pitched, his winning streak started.

Do you recall the last time you tried to change a bad habit? It wasn't easy. Because you were comfortable with the old way, the new way seemed awkward. That's why we often hesitate to make needed changes. For example, maybe you speak words you shouldn't say. Or you are critical of people instead of helpful. Fill in your own wrong actions--we all have them.

It takes conscious effort on our part and God's help to change. Paul said we are to present our "members as slaves of righteousness for holiness" (Rom. 6:19). That's not easy. But for God's glory and our own good we must make the effort. Let's be willing to change.  — Dave Branon