There's a classic episode of the 'Seinfeld' sitcom where George takes the car, leaving Jerry and Elaine stranded at a boring party with no ride home.  So while they're waiting for Kramer to finally come pick them up, they work out signals to give if either one of them gets caught in a boring conversation or awkward situation and needs help to escape it. 

We can all use some good evacuation plans from time to time for when we feel like we're getting caught.  Trouble is, so many of the things that tempt and trap us are so familiar, we don't see the signs until its too late.

On the road to Better Life, a valuable question to ponder is do you know your enemies? Who or what are the people, places, things, or times that may not be so bad in themselves but seem to lead you to messing up? Think about the common denominators that are associated with the times you do things you are not proud of or deeply regret later. Maybe there is a certain group of friends or a few particular places that play a recurring role in each of your downfall scenarios. Consider what is usually involved when you repeatedly find yourself in situations you know are wrong - the kind of circumstances that cause you to feel very uncomfortable or even ashamed.  Do the tones or content of conversations, specific times of day or night or even types of emotions always seem to be factored into your failures?

Whether its overspending, overeating, cheating, drugs, excessive drinking, lying or lust or just about any other example of what humans struggle with, our odds of overcoming temptations drastically increase if we know what to watch out for and what way we should go instead.

The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 10:13 that there is always a way out: "The temptations in your life are no different than what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you can endure."

The development of an alternate action is one option that has empowered a lot of people to defeat their demons.  This simple solution means that when they see trouble coming, they have trained themselves to automatically go another way or do something completely different.  For instance, if you recognize a consistent pattern of overspending when you go to the mall just for fun, finding something else to do for fun can, over time, replace that expensive rut.  Instead, maybe you could go to the park, take up tennis, learn to play an instrument or invite friends over to cook a meal or play games together.

If your enemy has been desiring things you know are wrong, the Apostle Paul offered further advice to "Run away from anything that stimulates youthful lusts."  So the next time you notice an old nemesis starting to creep up, maybe you should run.  Literally.  Sprint as fast as you can or at least take a brisk walk to get away from that spot. A change of scenery or a different atmosphere will help divert attention away from that temptation.

To some, these ideas may seem a tad bit unorthodox, but in the course of breaking bad habits in our efforts to (BE)TTER, radical actions are often needed for moving us out of old ruts and into a higher quality of life.

Knowing our enemy helps us to recognize when one is coming at us so we can make a break for it - a break toward Better Life.


To (BE)TTER: Today we will live inspired in spirit, mind and body so we will leave a legacy of Better Life for tomorrow.