Why Do I Still Choose Wrong?

Why do you still choose wrong?

I mean really think about that. How do you even define “right and wrong”? And what are you choosing in your own life that you already know is wrong?

Why do you choose it?

A Christian psychologist once wrote that people “choose wrong because the brain is drawn toward whatever brings the quickest relief, even if it brings long-term pain.” (Dr. Henry Cloud)

Jesus’ half brother James said it clearly. “Anyone who knows the right thing to do, but does not do it, is sinning.” (James 4:17 NCV) So that raises the question. Where does our sense of right and wrong even come from?

God already answered it. “Their consciences tell them what is right and wrong.” (Romans 2:15 NCV) God put that compass inside every human heart. So yes, I know what is right. You know what is right. And yet we still choose wrong.

Why?

Why procrastinate? Why over-indulge? Why lie? Why live selfishly? Why withhold forgiveness? Why reach for control, peace, comfort, or pleasure in ways we know dishonor God? What is actually broken in you and me?

The truth is simple. We are sinners. We sin. We choose wrong things. And deep down, we already know that.

So how do you fix something that feels this impossible? Honestly, it is so simple we almost miss it.

We must confess we are doing wrong. We must ask God and anyone we have wronged to forgive us. And then repent which means actually change. If we are truly sorry, we will change. Maybe not perfectly, but directionally.

We cannot grow until we take responsibility. Confess. Repent. Seek forgiveness. Then rebuilding can begin.

And we must live with an honest evaluation of who we really are. A sinner. And I know it sounds religious, but it is the pathway toward freedom and real life. “If the Son makes you free, you will be truly free.” (John 8:36 NCV)

Here’s the truth. I cannot fix myself. You and I have tried and failed how many times? And you already know that sin management and behavior change never lasts. So why keep doing the same thing over and over?

You cannot fix yourself. And as religious as it sounds, Jesus can fix the problem. It is not a behavior problem. It is a heart problem. It is a love problem.

We love ourselves too much. We do not love God, His ways, or other people as much as we love ourselves. And we know that loving God and others is the right thing and yet we still choose wrong.

Jesus lived the perfect life you and I never could for a reason. He did it for you and for me. He suffered and died for sin. Not His sin, but yours and mine. And that brings forgiveness.

But we must accept it. We must receive it. We must allow it into the same parts of our heart where we keep choosing wrong. Only then does He begin to be our Lord. Only then does He truly become our Savior. We become rescued. We receive the Helper, the Holy Spirit, and you and I both know we need help.

We confess. Jesus cleanses. We repent. Jesus restores. We surrender. Jesus saves. Our life finally begins to change. I know it sounds religious, but that is where real life lives.

So maybe today your prayer might sound like mine. I hope today might be a break-through.

GOD, my sins and the wrong things I choose are “fill in the blank.” I need help. I will commit and change. Please forgive me. I bring all my wrongs (list them out-loud) to You and I accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. He will be my Lord, not the wrong things. Only He can save me from my sins and heal the broken places in me. I will never fully measure up, but Jesus already has. Holy Spirit, help me. Help me seek help, be honest, and desire good. I just need help. IJNIP amen ♥️