It’s pretty much a no-brainer that good choices are more likely to bring good outcomes, but I’d like to dig a little bit deeper here and look at why there is blessing in making good choices and why we should avoid doing foolish things:
- Father knows best: God has good reason for commanding us to abstain from sin. Sin brings destruction in our lives and sin is what separates us from a relationship with our loving Father who is the giver of every good thing.
- Those around us: The choices we make don’t always just affect us; they may affect our spouse, children, co-workers, neighbors or friends. It would be selfish for us to do something that might bring us a moment of pleasure but alienate or hurt others.
- No regrets: Making good choices in our lives means we’re less likely to live with the regret of hurting others. It can also mean not carrying around years of guilt for something we can’t undo. I really tried to drive this message home to a few teenagers over the years who had contemplated making poor choices. In each of these situations, these particular teens had a hard time looking past their situation and considering the lifelong impact that could arise due to such choices.
- Eternal rewards: Perhaps the best choice any of us can make is to sincerely turn our lives back over to our God and allow Him to guide us in truth by His word. The reward in choosing the gift of salvation in which Jesus has to offer has eternal blessing.
- Become stronger: Sometimes doing the right thing is difficult. It might mean going against someone’s wishes, subjecting yourself to ridicule, having to say “enough is enough”, or it might even mean leaving a place of employment. While doing the right thing may be tough, God is able to carry us through the situation. Sometimes the blessings of making such choices are close by and sometimes the blessing is a strengthened character.
- Good reputation: Trust of others is more likely to be gained by being responsible, reliable, loyal, honest, and making good choices. The Bible tells us in Ecclesiastes chapter 7:1 that “a good name is better than precious ointment.” Proverbs 22:1 says, “A good name is better to be chosen than great riches, loving favor rather than silver or gold.” Your reputation is determined largely by the choices you make.
Scripture references are quoted from the NKJV.