The teenager expressed the view of many. Speaking of the wild parties he attended, the 16-year-old declared, "Without these parties, my life wouldn't have any purpose."

Attitudes like this result from a string of bad choices that multiply until life loses its meaning. Examples of this "bad-choice string" can be seen all around us.

Take the couple whose first bad choice is to be sexually active without being married. They soon follow that practice with other poor decisions that lead to spiritual, economic, and social problems. Or consider the business person who takes money from petty cash to line his pockets, only to follow that bad choice with many others just to cover it up.

In Genesis 13 we read about the bad decisions Lot made when he and Abram decided to part ways. Given the pick of the land, Lot chose the best ground for himself, and then settled near a city known for its wickedness. Genesis 20 records the tragic result of one bad choice that led to others.

Learn from Lot's mistake. If you have made a decision that violates God's principles, don't let one mistake turn into a string of bad choices. Stop right now and ask the Lord's forgiveness and help.  — Dave Branon