Come Out of the "Pig Pen": Rethink Your Choices - Part 2

I heard a story about a man who wanted to quit the Mafia. He became convicted of his sins after accepting Jesus as Lord of his life, but you just can't say good-bye to the Mafia. A contract was issued to kill him. However the contract became invalid when the Don who issued the contract was assassinated. His mother's prayers helped him reframe his past choices.

This man had the ability to understand what's important and find the will to make needed changes. He could not balance being a Christian with continuing to work for the Mafia as a criminal. Reframing allowed him to make a significant shift in what is valued, in what it actually means to serve Christ Jesus with every aspect of his life.

The prodigal son made that shift. He knew where he belonged. For this rebellious young man, a crisis threatened his life that forced him to see clearly who he was and what he needed to do. Reframing puts into perspective the fact that God is waiting for you to come to yourself and make the decisions that will lead you back to him. 

Come Out of the "Pig Pen": Rethink Your Choices - Part 1

Getting into trouble isn't unusual for young people or adults. Impulsive or bad choices are the gateway to conflict that must be correctly managed. Learning to deal constructively with reality by setting boundaries is needed throughout life.

The prodigal son left home with high hopes and big dreams, but he was arrogant and naive. Yet he eventually proved he could make appropriate decisions and reshaped his life when faced with adversity and failure. Reframing allowed him to shift from previous attitudes that had left him in great pain and suffering.

Luke 15:17 pictures this young man refraining previous choices. "When he came to his senses, he said,  'How many in my father's home have food to spare and here I am starving to death. I will go to my father and say, I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me as one of your hired men. So he got up and went to his father.'" He left home with the ability to reframe past choices and change his way of thinking. Reframing is God's gift to you, so please use it.