Why is it that human beings simply have to defy warnings when they are meant for our own good?

This is an excerpt from the book "Where I Am" by Pastor Billy Graham. William Franklin "Billy" Graham was a U.S. pastor known for filling stadiums with his preaching of God's word.

In his book, Pastor Billy asks us why we do it? We are always tempted to do precisely what we were told not to do.

Talking with my wife about our mistakes and the tendency to repeat them, we could find that there is a pattern: before we made the mistake we already knew there could be consequences, we just hoped there wouldn't be. How for example:

- Talking badly about the other person and hoping they don't notice.

- Yelling at someone and hoping they don't get upset.

- Lying and not getting caught.

- Eating from the forbidden tree and not dying.

"And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good" 2 Thessalonians 3:13.

In the book Pastor Billy invites us to recognize our weakness, give it to the Lord and with his strength, not ours (we already know it is not enough), we can make the right decision. Maybe it won't work out the first time or the second time, but don't give up trying.

"Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God" 3 John 1:11.

It is common for us to be told "Everybody does it" or "It is normal to do it that way". Let us not be fooled or distracted from our true purpose: To do things for the good of those around us.

Today is the day to be better, to make the right decisions, to live pleasing our Lord.

God bless you!

If you want to know more about Pastor Billy Graham and his books, visit www.billygraham.org.