Just Because You Can Doesn't Mean You Should

I am so grateful for the freedom of choice. As an adult, I am free to choose where I live, how I live, who I live with, and what I do with my life. I am given rules to live by, but I can choose to follow the philosophy that states, "rules are made to be broken." Alternatively, I can live by the philosophy that states, "rules are in place for my protection." I can read God's word and choose to believe it is a good book written by humans and full of errors. Or I can read God's word and choose to believe it is the inspired word of God and useful as my daily guide for life.

Every day of my life consists of choices and so does yours. When faced with choices, what do you do? What resources do you glean from when choosing how you will live? Before you get out of bed in the mornings, the process of choosing begins. It can be overwhelming and confusing at times, especially, when living in the fast lane day in and day out. Making the right choices is part of life's ongoing education. Sometimes you'll succeed, and other times you won't.

We are all a work in progress - if we keep trying, eventually we'll get it right more and more times. Practice, practice, practice! Nothing worth having comes easy.

Just as we make choices in our daily lives, we also face decisions when it comes to our eating and drinking habits.

There are lots of restaurants in America with "all you can eat" buffets. You can go back as many times as you want and get as much food as your eyes desire. The only requirement is that you get a clean plate every time. Some buffets even have sections full of one fried food after another, beautiful displays of desserts, and all the sweet tea one's heart desires. You don't even have to make room on your plate for bread - they will bring a fresh basket full every time you run out. All this for one low price.

Am I making you hungry? Well, think about this. . .

If you can control your portions and limit your food intake, even in a place like this, go often. But if you frequent these types of restaurants on a regular basis, and feel it is your duty to get as much for your money as possible, what appears to be a way to save money, can cost you in other areas as well.

Similarly, our choices regarding alcohol consumption can have significant consequences.

Do you work in an industry where alcohol is free flowing? Are you encouraged to have a drink in your hand constantly at social gatherings? At first it may seem harmless and really cool to be able to go up to the bar and get one free drink after another. Or to go to a dinner and have a bottomless wine glass all through the evening. Soon the body craves more, and the free drinks start to cost you dearly. Alcoholism is a rampant problem in this country. This can result in loss of jobs, wrecked homes, broken hearts, health problems, and even trouble with the law.

In addition to our daily choices, we also face decisions during tax season.

It can be very tempting to "fudge the numbers" when filling out your tax forms. After all, it could save you and your family a lot of money. Really? Be careful!

What appears to be a way to save money can cost you way more in the end. The reason the IRS had to hire full time auditors is because cheating and lying on taxes is a major problem in our country. Are high penalties or jail time really worth it?

I hear people talk about peer pressure as if it were just prevalent among teenagers and young adults. Peer pressure never goes away. When making choices in big and small areas of your life, get your advice from people that seem to be making smart choices. Seek out a mentor that will set a good example for you in areas where you may be struggling. Everything good in our lives comes from God. He placed everything on the earth for our enjoyment. But let's get real - when we overindulge or get greedy, the enjoyment ceases to exist - health issues rise and confidence levels fall.

Do you feel like you used to have a handle on things but it's fallen off? It's not too late to put the handle back in place. Be grateful for the freedom given to you, and choose wisely. When you come to a fork in the road - which direction will you choose? When uncertain, just turn right. Why? Because if you go right, you can't go wrong!

Thought for the day  - Just because you can doesn't mean you should!

Have a Great Day!