Rationalizing Excuses For Poor Choices

In active addiction we seldom made the right choice and even now in recovery it is still a learning process.  God has provided a way for us to learn and grow.  That way is to first receive forgiveness for the sins we have committed by accepting that Jesus died in our place to pay the penalty incurred for all our wrong choices.  We need to stand in the truth of who God says we are – flawed human beings but precious and valued sons and daughters of God who are washed and cleansed from all our sins.  

Without accepting forgiveness of our sins and a right relationship with God we will continue to rationalize what we have done because we are afraid of the shame, the pain, the embarrassment, and the disappointment that has resulted from our poor choices. 

It seems easier to make excuses for our behaviour or to blame someone else, so the burden is “off our shoulders.”  If rationalizing makes us feel better, we deceive ourselves into thinking that the situation has improved.  To be honest and confess that we have made poor choices may threaten our comfort zone in the short term or even cause us great embarrassment.  However, regardless of these feelings, we need to come clean and admit to all our wrong-doing.  

God loves to show us truth and help us to rise above rationalizing and excusing.  He knows that living in the truth is the most free and most satisfying way to live. 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Help me to give up excusing and rationalizing my behaviour and take responsibility for my actions.  Help me to accept the truth of Your word and live in the grace and freedom that is mine through the finished work of Jesus on the cross.  Amen

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