We must own up to the consequences of our choices

The choices we make we are each, individually, responsible for. We cannot lay blame on another. So many of us say, “It’s not all my fault.” That may be true to an extent.  An argument starts …  both of you can be at fault as it develops and continues, but there are always choices. Choices to stop… to change direction… to become more irritated… to not listen… to walk out the door. It is your choice to consider and decide what action you will or will not do. It is your choice to proceed wisely or foolishly. The consequences of your actions become your responsibility, you must own up to them; the  blame does not belong anywhere but squarely on you. The longer we dwell on the irritation, think about how it makes us feel, the emotions churning, the more likely we are to make foolish choices. 

We can either continue down the path of refusing to take responsibility for our actions and moving ourselves further and further away from the perceived problem  by running from it or we can own up to our mistakes, resolve the issues that hurt us, and move forward.

To move forward, we have to let go of the past. You have to forgive … forgive yourself, forgive each other, and most of all, seek forgiveness from God. 

When we continue to replay every episode of what was or is wrong to ourselves or to another, the chance to start afresh becomes more distant. Yes, the past is present and sometimes you will think of the past, but to dwell on it will only you bring you back where you are now … tired, drained, fearful, tense, … no where safe, secure or peaceful  and going no where. A very sad place to be. 

Do you really desire to make things right?

Do you really desire a future with your spouse?

Do you really desire a growing relationship or do you prefer one that is stagnant?

Turn back. The direction you are going is wrong. Christian or unbeliever – both are susceptible to sin.

                  
It is easy to give in to anger.


It is easy to say, “Fine, sorry I bothered.”

It is easy to strike back and make a situation worse than it needs to be.

It is easy to give in to feelings of irritation and lashing out and sulking in a corner like a 2-year-old.

What is hard is apologizing to God … acknowledging our sins before God … agreeing with Him we have done wrong … crying out for His mercy … asking Him to forgive us, to help us, to save us.  

What is hard is turning away from selfishness and realizing how sorrowful we have made our Father in Heaven, how disappointed He is in us.

For us who are Christians, do we really desire to make amends with our Lord and Savior, to be on right footing with Him?

All of us need an attitude adjustment.

 All of us should turn from sin. We should all see a need to do so. What has sin done for you? Sin doesn't bring you happiness or joy or peace or kindness or thankfulness or love. Sin is ugly and dirty and dark.  

Turn away from what is evil;  turn to God and build a new life on Him. 

(c) Cathy Orrick Luders