Jesus once gave a parable about two brothers whose father had asked them both to go work in his vineyard. The first son told his father he would not go, but later regretted it and went. Jesus went on to tell of the other son who told his father he would go but did not; then Jesus asked His audience which brother did his father's will (Matthew 21:28-32). The answer was obvious, but let us note that, in this story, the first son had second thoughts, and it was a good thing he did. Jesus drew a parallel to the fact that "the tax collectors and the prostitutes" [the ones who initially refused to do the Father's will] would enter into heaven before them [the ones who had initially said they would do the Father's will, but never did]. The point is, even when we make poor choices, we have opportunities to have second thoughts--to repent, turn to God, and do His will.

Even the apostle Peter had an opportunity to have second thoughts about something he said [and something he refused to admit]. Jesus had told him he and the other disciples would deny Him in His hour of trial, but Peter vehemently denied he would, and the other disciples agreed with him (Matthew 26:31-35). But, as Jesus predicted, Peter denied Him, not once, but three times before the rooster crowed three times (vv. 69-75). Let us not forget that Jesus had also told Peter he would return to Him (Luke 22:32), and Peter did return because he had second thoughts; this time, he no longer thought about his own personal survival. Rather, Peter thought about what Jesus had said and done and decided He was worth living--and dying-for, and he served Him faithfully the rest of his life. Let us note that it was that second thought that brought Peter back to Christ, and we benefit from his second thoughts because we now read his inspired words that give us some important instructions. What if Peter had not reconsidered?

Have you ever had an opportunity for second thoughts, where you could think about a serious decision again, and the second time, you made the right decision? If you've lived more than about ten years, I'd guess you've had plenty of such occasions. It's a fact of life that we often choose poorly, or based on limited or bad information, or that we simply choose selfishly without regard for consequences. Sometimes, someone gives you an opportunity to rethink your decision because they see the wiser choice, though you may not, and want to give you a chance for second thoughts. If you've had such an opportunity, more than likely you were thankful afterward that someone gave you a chance to rethink your decision; maybe you even looked back and were thankful you didn't go with your first choice!

I've also had my share of opportunities for second thoughts. Many times, I have sat in front of my computer as a discouraged Christian who is thinking about how brethren [and I] sometimes fail to live up to our Lord's supreme example, how we treat one another, how we lie, put the world first, become materialistic, indulge in fleshly pursuits, and a hundred other shortcomings and sins; and I am ready to either tender my resignation or blast 'em out of the water. But, thankfully, I have had the opportunity for second thoughts, and I reconsider what I am about to write [or, in some cases, what I've already written] and, the second time, I think about whether or not it will help encourage, exhort, instruct, rebuke, edify, and/or convict the audience of the truth in such a way that they [and I] will be moved to do better. More times than I care to admit, I have done a complete rewrite.

And, sometimes, there have been occasions when other Christians treated me spitefully, condescendingly, immaturely, or rudely; and I have been tempted to give them what-for because of it. But then I had those old second thoughts again. The second time, I thought about Peter's words regarding Jesus' behavior during His trial: "When He was reviled, He did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but continued entrusting Himself to Him who judges justly." (1 Peter 2:23); and I see how I must respond. I remember Jesus' own words when He said, "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:44, 45), and so I pray this time.

The thing about second thoughts is, when we are given an opportunity to think again when our thinking was wrong, we must see the opportunity and use it to think differently. If we are given an opportunity to rethink something we are about to do [or have already done], and we again think the same way, we will act just as we did before; and what good do we do by simply repeating our mistakes? Someone once said, "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results." It certainly isn't wise to choose the way of foolishness more than once, especially if we are given an opportunity to think again.

Second thoughts may sometimes be opportunities for repentance, as was the case with the first brother in the parable, and with Peter. Each had the chance to think about his first decision and came to the conclusion that it was wrong. Thinking differently the second time around, each chose a better way. If we have made poor choices that have led us to sin [or down the path that inevitably leads to it], and if we have been given a chance for second thoughts, we would be wise to use the opportunity to "repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with ... repentance" (Acts 26:20). Simon the sorcerer was given that opportunity and he did not waste it, asking that Peter pray for him so that he could again be right in God's sight (Acts 8:24). A babe could see-why can't we?

It may be that someone reading this article is living with some poor decisions from the past and is wondering what will make it right or when things will change. Maybe someone is clinging to the old way of thinking, not realizing it is their thinking that got them where they now are, and that the same thinking is keeping them there. Maybe you chose to leave behind all you had ever learned from your parents and from the Bible, and life hasn't exactly been a bowl of cherries. Maybe you've chosen to leave your parents and run with those without knowledge of God, who are involved in drugs, sex, and criminal behavior, and you are looking for a way out. Maybe you're thinking that your marriage is a disaster and that things would have to be better if you could just get a divorce. Or maybe you've already divorced against God's will and are thinking about remarrying because you think, "God surely wants me to be happy!" Maybe any or all who may be in these situations are thinking they are someone else's fault.

If you are such a one, I advise you to think again, and think differently. We often end up in messes because of our own choices; sometimes, it is someone else's fault. But let me ask you this: Even if your unhappiness is someone else's fault, what good is it if you keep thinking the same way and doing the same thing? God has given you this day to think again--time to think about your past and present choices and to see if they align with His ways and His thinking. If you find that your choices were actually selfish ones that led you to where you are, or if you find that they were brought on by anger or stubbornness, it is time to think again, and think differently. God wants you to be happy, but happy is how He defines it, not you or me. If you're thinking God's way won't change anything, think again.