July 12, 2026

Escape the struggle of Your Old Life

Young people make dangerous choices at times. We’re all tempted, of course. But the longer we serve God, the less likely we are to give in to bad decisions. Peer pressure is not easy to withstand. In spite of training and in spite of knowing right from wrong, the lure of pleasure is difficult to resist.

Whether it is a drug, a habit, a person or actual danger, there is usually a moment of moral struggle before we tumble into sin. Bad decisions can follow us for a long time. They affect reputations, job opportunities, and the colleges that accept us. It’s easier to hang around with people who follow God. It’s easier to make good choices with music, movies and entertainment.

Once we give our lives to the Lord, we want an honest and open relationship with Him. We want people to trust us and that means we must repent for our previous lifestyle and prove ourselves to be ethical. That can take some time.

Denial can keep us from repentance. God forgives. He wants to forgive. He will not allow us to ignore guilt or regret, acting like they never happened, refusing to repent. The Word says to make sure your sins will be found out. Better to be healed and forgiven than proud and unredeemed.

Repentance leads to forgiveness, forgiveness leads to a desire to please God. Serving God gives people a completely different opinion of character. That is how God redeems past sin and uses people who probably thought He would never forgive them.

Dear God, I thank You for Your willingness to forgive and to redeem people’s lives. I thank You for being a God of second chances and for using the very people the world expects You to reject. Help me, Lord, to be as forgiving as You are and to willingly love and accept the new people Salvation has created.

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13