What do you admire most in the person you want to emulate? What causes you to lose respect for a person you once admired?

It’s motivating to watch (and, if you’re able, to spend time with) people who are successful because of their wise choices – those who are grounded in who they are and what their life’s mission is.

On the other hand, how often have you wanted to rescue someone from their destructive choices, while they stubbornly refuse your counsel? Or perhaps you’re the one your family and friends have repeatedly tried to rescue while you refused their help.

Many of us have resisted wise counsel and have the scars to prove it. This is why we want to help others avoid the pitfalls of continuing to resist God’s ways.

In Matthew 4:17 (AMPC), Jesus said,

Repent (change your mind for the better).

Today I prayed and asked the Holy Spirit to show me what “better” is as it relates to the choices I make.

It’s scary to think that sometimes we not only give into sinful temptation, but we lack the wisdom to recognize the danger of our sin. We lack the resolve to resist that behavior, which almost guarantees days (maybe years) of humiliation.

We’d be wise to think about where we want to be (as others are watching) before the end of our life. Even before the end of this day.

The other option is to allow our sinful choices to continue to hold us hostage. But how much devastation are we willing to suffer before we reach the end of our rope? Before our family and friends have had enough?

What would happen if we asked God to show us the long-term consequences of our decisions? What if we asked Him to show us His way – the better way?

Our sins are destroying us. Disobedience (even delayed obedience) shortchanges us. Sin – any sin – never takes us to a good place. And once we’ve suffered the consequences, how long will it take us to regain our footing? If we ever do.

Thankfully, we’re not alone. In any temptation we struggle with, we’re never without God’s wise counsel. Furthermore, we’re never without His love, compassion, grace, mercy and power.

Every day, let’s pray for the wisdom to obey God. From now on, let’s resolve to make obeying Him non-negotiable.

This kind of resolve will make us people who are worthy of respect and emulation.

What about you?

I’d love to hear your thoughts about this post. (Others might also benefit from your comment.)

• What would happen if you asked God to show you the long-term consequences of your decisions?
• How would your life changed if you asked your heavenly Father to show you His way – the better way?

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