What does God’s Word tell you about where your life is at the greatest risk? We must think about the potential damage a decision can cause before acting on selfish impulses.

One of the most miserable sights in America is the televised press conference called by a politician who has been caught with a prostitute, congressional page, or intern. He or she struggles, squirms, makes excuses, evades direct questions, and looks miserable. Sometimes the politicians appear on camera standing next to ashen-faced spouses.

Think how much damage can be done to people’s lives with a moment of impulsive and reckless sin. If only they had thought about that potential damage before they acted on their selfish impulses. If only someone had awakened them from their immoral stupor before they did all that harm to the people in their families.

That’s the essence of learning by words instead of pain. Now is the time to listen to God’s Word. Now is the time to take His words to heart. Now is the time to wake up and remember what’s at stake. “Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding” (Proverbs 3:13).

What would your best friend tell you that you need to change in your life? What does God’s Word tell you about where your life is at the greatest risk? How will you pray today for God’s help in those changes?