I grew up during the rise of the video game era. I still remember the very first video game console my dad bought, a ColecoVision. The moment he plugged it into our television, I was amazed. It was a phenomenal feeling controlling something in my hand, then seeing it displayed on a large screen.

As the years progressed, so did the technology. The processing and imaging of video game consoles increased exponentially. Every time a new gaming console came out, kids were salivating over the latest and greatest innovation. The interactivity and realism of the games increased as well. A kid could easily spend hours playing and not even notice.

Eventually, I outgrew the video games because of their ability to eat away at large chunks of my life. I also realized there was an underlying danger in many games, the “do-over.”

In all video games, a player has the privilege of starting over and over again. In essence, a player is rewarded for risky or irresponsible behavior without incurring real consequences. Unlike in life, in a game, you can shoot things up, crash, damage, destroy or hurt others and walk away from the situation unscathed.

Contrary to the real world, many times, we don’t get a “do-over.” I’ve encountered situations in my life and witnessed many men make bad decisions and then face those consequences. Yes, God is merciful and forgives us, but He is also just. Scripture shows us many men who had to live with their disastrous decisions.

What this all means is we must be diligent in the decisions we make because more times than not, we won’t have an easy “do-over.” However, God will guide us through the situation if we repent.

Daily Directive:

Answer and Journal the Following

Read:

Read and meditate on Deuteronomy 3:23-29.

Pray:

What good and bad decisions have you made, and what were the results? Be real; be honest.

Meditate / Make It Real:

Pray and ask God for wisdom to make the right decisions. Determine how you prepare in advance how you will respond to certain situations. Be specific.

Share / Show:

Share this with a fellow brother and have them hold you accountable.