Learning to live with your choices
Romans 12:2:
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Colossians 3:17:
"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
God has given you free will, allowing you to make choices in life. You can decide to help others or not. For instance, you can choose to volunteer at a local shelter, or you can choose to ignore those in need. Another example is how you treat your family. You can choose to be kind and supportive or to be distant and selfish.
While you possess free will, it is essential that your choices align with God's will.
His guidance ensures that your decisions lead to positive outcomes. For instance, if you are faced with a moral dilemma, choosing the path that aligns with His teachings leads to inner peace and righteousness. Conversely, straying from His will may result in guilt and spiritual unrest.
Consider your relationships; when you prioritize love, respect, and forgiveness, you foster healthy connections. These choices align with God's will, strengthening bonds and promoting harmony within your family and community. On the other hand, harboring resentment or engaging in dishonesty can damage relationships, leading to turmoil and heartache.
As Christians, we understand the importance of aligning our choices with God's will. However, our stubbornness sometimes leads us to follow our own desires instead.
This disobedience often results in facing the consequences of our actions.
It is just like Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, who chose to eat the forbidden fruit despite God's command. We too sometimes prioritize our own will over God's.
Adam and Eve's decision to disobey God's command brought about consequences that affected not only themselves but all of humanity. Similarly, when we stubbornly follow our own will, we may cause harm to ourselves and others. Our disobedience can lead to strained relationships, missed opportunities, and spiritual turmoil, as mentioned.
But now that all is said and done, you must learn to live and take accountability for your actions.
Learning to live by your choices means accepting the consequences of your decisions and striving to make better choices in the future.
For example, if you make a poor financial decision that leads to debt, learning to live by your choices involves taking responsibility for your spending habits and making a plan to repay the debt.
Similarly, if you hurt someone with your words or actions, learning to live by your choices requires apologizing sincerely and making amends to repair the relationship. Taking accountability for your actions fosters personal growth and strengthens your character. It also demonstrates integrity and humility, qualities that are important in living a fulfilling and meaningful life.
That said, acknowledge your mistakes and seek His forgiveness. Then, ask guidance from God and help in aligning your decisions with His will the next time you are presented with choices.
In this way, you can live a life that is purposeful and in harmony with God's plan for you.
Read more:
What you should do when you cannot have your way with things