Habits

In November of 2017, the Vatican announced it would stop the sale of cigarettes in its duty free shop and supermarket. Pope Francis claimed, “The Holy See cannot contribute to an activity that clearly damages the health of people.” (Evidently, they were previously unaware of the 6 million people who die from cigarette-related deaths every single year.)

Austin enjoyed the time he spent with his grandfather, a tough old cowboy everyone knew as “Curly.” The hardened rancher showed his grandson how to ride, shoot, and mend fences. Along the way, Curly even shared little pieces of advice with Austin.

In 2006, high school student Amanda Clark ran a stop sign while talking on her cell phone and was broadsided by another vehicle. Her SUV took a beating, but Amanda walked away with only a few scrapes and bruises. Lesson learned, right?

Not exactly.

Philip Seymour Hoffman. Cory Monteith. River Phoenix. They all share at least two things in common: they were highly-paid actors…and they died from an overdose of heroin. Now, lawmakers are working to ensure that no one else suffers the same fate.

But their “solution” is a highly contested one….

Three thousand years ago, King Solomon wrote, “Take a lesson from the ant…” in his Book of Proverbs. In that context, he was referring to their mighty work ethic. But there are other lessons we can glean from the tiny insects.

Like how to avoid death, for instance.

“Crossing the line of faith.” It’s the most important step anyone will ever take, but too many Christians shortchange their relationship with Jesus by forgetting about the second step, the third step, and the millionth step. They mistakenly think they’re done after they cross the starting line.

Usain Bolt, a man who knows an awful lot about crossing lines, would never make that mistake.

Eric Lawson, David Millar, Wayne McLaren, and David McLean have something in common. All four of them worked for the same company, in the same position, modeling as the iconic Marlboro Man.

Wanna guess what else they have in common?

In August of 2013, 15-year-old Anthony Tremayne Stokes received an emergency heart transplant to ease his suffering from an acute case of dilated cardiomyopathy. According to the team of doctors, there was no doubt the procedure saved his young life.

But Stokes died two years later from something that no team of doctors could prevent.

What if you were told you had to make a change, maybe even a big change…or else you would literally die? Would you make the change? Without a doubt, most people say they would.

The experts disagree. Overwhelmingly.