Recovering from Bad Choices

“I blew it again!”

How many times have I said this phrase… and meant it. It seems life is full of poor choices. Whether it is being hotheaded in a relationship or entertaining secret sins, our bad choices follow us wherever we go.  As they pile up they erode our character and ability to influence others in positive ways.

So how do we overcome these bad choices?

Well, the following has helped me when I find I have failed again.

Repent 

Every bad choice is a good choice that was not made. The first thing is to acknowledge what I did was wrong and to turn away from it. That can come in asking for forgiveness from God and those that have been wronged. It can even mean forgiving yourself for the failure.

Refocus

When we have blown it the Enemy comes in and tries to take us down. That is why it is so important to refocus on who God made us and His purpose for our lives. God loves us unconditionally and accepts us the way we are. By acknowledging who we are in Christ we break the cycle of shame and guilt. In this it is important to have a people around us who we trust who can help realign our lives with the truth of scripture.

Replace

Our bad choices are motivated by deeper unmet needs in our life. Security, belonging and significance are at the core of our being. When we make bad choices we need to understand the underlying motivation and meet it with a healthy choice. For instance, If I find myself overeating I need to ask why I am choosing this. Am I feeling bored? Lonely? Insecure? I then need to seek a healthy alternative to meet this need. It may be as simple as taking a walk or listening to good music.

Redeem

The ultimate goal is to break the cycle and help others to do the same. Redeem means to buy back or realize potential. There will be consequences for our actions that we will need to face. Redemption means we pay for the loss our choice creates in whatever way we can and move forward.

As we overcome bad choices it gives us strength make better choices in the future. Our experience then gives us wisdom to help others who are facing the same temptations.