Accepting Consequences of Poor Decisions

date:

Aug. 20, 2012

by:

Ken Korkow

When things in life seem to be going crazy, out of control, who is to blame? Experience has taught me that I create most of my own chaos. And this is true for you, too. Universally, individuals are responsible for most of the turmoil in their own lives – not all of it, but much of it.

We live in a world where, more often than not, people want to shift blame for their circumstances onto someone or something else – parents, employers, environment, society, circumstances. But in reality, when things go wrong for us and we want to know why, all we need to do is look in the mirror.

For instance, what if you bought a car and decided you do not like it? You are the one that chose to buy it for whatever reasons – and in the decision-making process created the maintenance schedule that might have become problematic for you.

For people that have grown dissatisfied with their marriages, they are the ones that decided to say “yes” to legally unite with their spouse – and created another kind of “maintenance schedule” that might have left them disillusioned or disappointed.

Have you ever felt unhappy in your job? Realize that you decided to work there – and accepted, influenced, or have allowed conditions that have contributed to your feelings of unrest, unhappiness and dissatisfaction. 

Again and again I have learned that most of the painful and challenging consequences I have had to deal with generally were a result of my previous wrong or poor decisions. What can I do about it? Although I cannot change the past, I now try to make better decisions from the start. 

How do we learn to make better decisions to shape a better, more appealing future? There are many ways to try, but I have found the very best way is by diligently reading my Bible every day. During these daily readings, I came across the following passage that offers special insight: 

Jesus told His followers, "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do what I tell you? Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great" (Luke 6:46-49). 

I often hear it said, "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results."  If you are absolutely content with where you are – then stay on that track. But if you are experiencing areas of discontent or even suffering, I suggest you dig deeply into the Bible, the Word of God, so you will do what He says to do. I have found that since He designed us, He knows how we function best – and instructs us accordingly. God is the Father who truly does know best. 

Ken Korkow lives in Omaha, Nebraska, U.S.A., where he serves as an area director for CBMC. This is adapted from the “Fax of Life” column that he writes each week. Used with permission.

Reflection/Discussion Questions

1.  Do you agree with Mr. Korkow’s statement that when our lives are chaotic, seemingly out of control, in most cases we are the persons to blame? Why or why not? 

2.  Have you known any people that refuse to take any personal responsibility for problems or wrong decisions? What are these people like, from your perspective?

3.  What do you think of the recommendation to turn to the Bible for guidance and assistance in making better decisions concerning the future? 

4.  Being honest, how good are you at listening to and applying principles and truths taught in the Bible to your everyday situations, especially in the workplace? Explain your answer.

NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to review some other passages that relate to this topic, consider the following verses:

 Jeremiah 33:3; Ephesians 2:10; Colossians 3:16-17, 23; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; James 1:5-8