What was I thinking?
"Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." —Romans 12:2 (NLT)
Sometimes we find ourselves doing or saying things that absolutely surprise us. Sometimes we're stunned by the foolishness of the things we do. Why do we sometimes make such mindless, reckless choices?
When we step back and examine our actions, we'll find that almost everything we do is done for a reason. Most of the time, the reasons are valid, and the actions we choose are good ones—such as eating to satisfy hunger, sleeping when we need rest or establishing healthy boundaries with a new friend. Other times, we meet legitimate needs through foolish actions, or we have unhealthy reasons for what we choose to act on.
Choosing Our Own Wisdom
Prisons are populated with people who sought to meet their needs in ways that were unlawful—like assault, stealing, or using drugs. Of course, most of our wrong decisions are unlikely to result in an arrest, trial, and conviction, but even the smallest choice can have a great cost. Relationships get broken, families split apart, words are said that we wish we could take back. No one's immune to making bad choices to satisfy a need or a want.
So what were we thinking when we did or said that thing we now regret? We were very probably thinking we had greater understanding or a greater plan than God.
Choosing God's Wisdom
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." —Proverbs 3:5-6
When we find ourselves victims of our own choices, be assured we were attempting to satisfy a need or a want in a way that God has already deemed wrong or unwise. God knows what's best for each one of us—what's helpful and what's harmful.
God's guidance in the Bible is there to protect us, deepen our relationships, and help us mature as human beings modeled after Christ. His commands are not roadblocks to our happiness, fun, and good times. This is what His Word says God wants for us:
- The very best (Romans 8:31-39)
- A fulfilled, satisfying life (John 10:10)
- Adoption into His family (Romans 8:15)
- Lasting joy and peace (John 14:27; Romans 15:13)
- To enjoy a life of meaningful purpose (Ephesians 2:10)
Without the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we're prone to waste time and our very lives—maybe by seeking after what the world values: wealth, reputation, and pleasure. Maybe by losing ourselves in our phones or addictions. Then, when we realize that none of that really satisfies, we indulge in behavior that hurts ourselves and others.
God wants so much more for us. He knows life is riddled with temptations and hazards, and He wants to guide us to a better way (John 16:13). By developing the mind of Christ within our own, we won't have to be surprised by our own foolish thinking (1 Corinthians 2:16).
ALSO SEE:
- What does the Bible say about shame and regret?
- How to Deal with Regret
- How can I stop feeling guilty?
- Hating Your Sin Doesn't Mean Hating Yourself
- How can I put to deal earthly sins?
- Is God mad at me?
- How can I learn to trust God?
- Giving Control to God
- Avoiding Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms
- What does the Bible say about insecurity?
- Feeling Loved When You Don't Feel Loveable
- How do I do the right thing?
- Is temptation a sin?
- How can I overcome temptation?
TL;DR
At some point, most of us have wondered how we could have made such a foolish mistake. The answer is simple: we thought we knew what was best. We should have trusted God, but we didn't consider His wisdom. It happens. Nothing is unforgivable for those who ask (1 John 1:9). And today is a new day, so we have yet another chance to do better.
