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

It’s inspiring to see (and, if possible, to spend time with) people who achieve success through their wise choices – those who stay true to themselves and their life’s purpose.

On the other hand, it’s frustrating to want to help someone escape their destructive choices, only for them to stubbornly reject your advice.

Which one are you?

• The person worth emulating?
• Or maybe you’re the one your family and friends have repeatedly tried to rescue, but you’ve refused their help.
• Perhaps you’ve seen a bit of both in yourself.

Many of us have ignored wise advice and carry the scars to show for it. This is why we want to help others avoid making the same mistakes as those who 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” means in relation to the choices I make.

It’s frightening to realize that sometimes we not only succumb to sinful temptation but also lack the wisdom to recognize the danger of our sin. Apart from God, we don’t have the strength to resist that behavior, which almost guarantees days (or even years) of humiliation.

We’d be wise to think about where we want to be before we reach the end of our lives. 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 every temptation, 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 obedience to Him non-negotiable. Let’s live the kind of life we want to see in others – the life God revealed to us in Christ.

This kind of tenacity will make us people who deserve respect and emulation.

What about you?

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

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