I think about this subject every day, for I run into people on a daily basis who make the wrong choices in life and then suffer for those wrong choices. And many times I hear them say, “Life isn’t fair.” No one said it was, but God teaches in His Word about making right choices. He doesn’t desire we suffer, which is why it is imperative to search the Scriptures, the mind of God, the Holy Bible, and to learn about the right choices in life. It’s all there, be it marriage, drinking, divorce, raising children, how to treat others, the pattern of worship, baptism, the pattern for getting to heaven. All in one book, the Book of Books.
“Whoso despiseth the Word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded. The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death. Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard. Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly. A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health. Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honored.” Proverbs 13:12-18
It is true that we sometimes run into trouble through the choices of others; it took me awhile to learn that fact. But the good news is, we can rise above the sinful choices of others, not have self-pity, choose to do right, and learn not to make the same sinful choices of others. We may be down, but we don’t have to stay there. God’s Word will pull us through. Many can attest to this truth, one of whom is me.
“Oh Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man who walks to direct his steps.” Jeremiah 10:23
“Any day we wish; we can discipline ourselves to change it all. Any day we wish we can open the book that will open our mind to new knowledge. Any day we wish; we can start a new activity. Any day we wish; we can start the process of life change. We can do it immediately, or next week, or next month, or next year
We can also do nothing. We can pretend rather than perform. And if the idea of having to change ourselves makes us uncomfortable, we can remain as we are. We can choose rest over labor, entertainment over education, delusion over truth, and doubt over confidence. The choices are ours to make. But while we curse the effect, we continue to nourish the cause. As Shakespeare uniquely observed. “the fault is not in the stars, but in ourselves.” We created our circumstances by our past choices. We have both the ability and the responsibility to make better choices beginning today. Those who are in search of the good life do not need more answers or more time to think things over to reach better conclusions. They need the truth. They need the whole truth. And nothing but the truth. . . . . and if you don’t like how things are, change it! You’re not a tree. You have the ability to change every area in your life – and it all begins with your very own power of choice.” ~ Rohn
Eileen Light