The Right Choice is Better Than an Excuse - Spiritual Nugget 50

We all recognize that we have different types of temperaments and personalities. Some of us tend to be analytical and critical. Others are more creative, and some are fun-loving and undisciplined. Whatever our personality, it is usually at the root of the choices we make.
 
Moral decisions, spiritual decisions, personal decisions, political decisions are among the assortment of choices we make. Since choice is an active expression of our will, with every one we make, it includes a partner that is tied to us. It is known as “responsibility.”
 
Responsibility is the “hitch in the git-a-long” in the choices we make.
 
Far too often, we scapegoat and blame others for our choices. As adults, we frequently hold on to choices that blame our parents rather than making a choice to accept their imperfections, forgive them, and move forward in our life journey. Instead, we hold onto them like a “binky” resulting in long-term effects on our physical or mental well-being.
 
We all make choices, and I am certain we intend to choose what leads to a positive result. But in many instances, there is not always a happy ending. Whether the choice was positive or negative, the responsibility for the action rests with the person who made the choice. Sometimes there are influences from others. Nevertheless, we are the responsible party, and we must deal with the consequences.
 
In case we forget, the Bible is filled with famous people who made negative choices: Adam and Eve, Abraham, Solomon, Saul, David, Peter, etc. All of whom had to deal with the outcomes of their choices. Some of the consequences were pretty harsh.
 
In most cases, when choices are made, responsibility is inescapable:

• Job acceptance means you accept responsibility for the good side  and the downside of the employment package with no complaining to others about your job.

 

• Punctuality shows you accept the responsibility of the treasure of time and keeping your word, which demonstrates respect for other people and their time.

 

• Truthfulness means you accept responsibility for not leading people to a wrong conclusion or in a wrong direction. You don’t make claims that are not accurate.

 

• Faithfulness in your marriage means you accept responsibility for keeping your marriage vows as a lifetime covenant between God and each other. You are committed to life-long loyalty to one another.

 

• Keeping your promise or your word (verbal or written) means you accept responsibility for not making excuses for unfulfilled commitments.

 

• Controlling your anger means you accept responsibility to yield your rights, control your temper, and avoid cursing.

 

• Disagreeing with someone who has made a different choice means you accept responsibility to respect the other person and not judge them.

 
God reminds us that we should trust in Him when we make choices. (Proverbs 3:5-6) He has a life purpose for each of us, and He wants us to have “good success.” (Joshua 1:8) Avoid continually depending upon our human wisdom and secular standards as our tools for making positive choices.
 
To ensure positive results, acknowledge Him in all you do. If you make a choice that you are not happy with, take responsibility, seek wisdom and guidance from the Lord, and continue forward in your life journey. It will be an exciting trip!

---