What if our lives played out like a Hollywood movie?

Wouldn’t it be comforting to know that no matter what crisis we face, everything will turn out okay, and we will have a happy ending in two hours?

But life isn’t fiction. We aren’t guaranteed a happy ending for a poorly lived life. Romans 6:21 (AMPC) couldn’t be clearer:

What benefit (return) did you get from the things of which you are now ashamed? [None] for the end of those things is death.

How often do we justify our actions or minimize the seriousness of our sin?

As believers, sin doesn’t have authority over us. We must not let it control our lives. Considering this, will we choose to say no to all sin from now on? Perhaps a better question is: Do we genuinely want to say no to every temptation? Or are some sins so alluring that they’re worth the risk?

Stealing, gambling, sexual immorality, pride and murder are some of the worst sins that can take control over our lives. Even internal sins, such as resentment, greed, anger and lust, can bring death to our goals and relationships.

We can ignore God’s grace and turn away from His ways and wisdom until our marriage suffers a fatal blow, our integrity is ruined, our self-respect is shattered or our relationship with God is compromised. But then, when our world falls apart, we’ll have to figure out how to explain to our spouse, children and friends why our lives are heading in such a bad direction.

As much as we wish it were true, our lives are not like those portrayed in fairytales. The consequences of our bad choices don’t magically disappear as they often do in movies or on TV.

Wouldn’t it be better to surrender our will to God and let His presence within us guide us to say no to everything that isn’t His desire for us? Each time we intentionally love God with our choices, we become more like the person we want others to see – and the person we want to see in the mirror.

Every decision we make helps shape the person we’re becoming.

When we focus on God and His ways, everyone around us benefits, including ourselves. Every time we resist shameful behavior, we become empowered to make better choices. Better choices lead to better days.

Better days lead to happier days and a meaningful, more satisfying life.

What about you?

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

• How often do you excuse your behavior or minimize the seriousness of your sin?
• What were the consequences?

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