One Step from Redemption

Everyone knows it, life is tough. And quite frankly, despite the many “feel good speeches” people may encounter, there’s no guarantee they would always feel on top of the world. Again, that’s life. So what does the world do about it? Many times the world keeps beating others over the head with the same words: That’s life! That’s life! It’s almost as though it’s expected that the receiver of their blows would eventually just succumb and say, “Yes, I get it. It’s life.” But what if they don’t get it? Because often you’re feeling down, it’s really not always that easy to redeem yourself. Yet, it may be refreshing to know that at any given time we’re really just one step away from redemption.

Firstly, it’s important to properly establish what redemption truly is. It means to restore something of value (usually one’s reputation or level of respect) to a former or superior state. And it’s easily possible to do this with the right initiative. Using at least one of the four methods below is usually all you may ever need to redeem yourself.

Redemption: through proof

Hypothetically speaking, you train daily for 4 years at track and field because you want to become an Olympic gold medalist. One week before your final race in front of the world, the Olympic committee makes a surprise announcement. For the Olympic’s first wild card event, a new runner is suddenly allowed to compete with you in the final for a chance at the gold. But there’s a catch. Your mystery opponent turns out to be an undefeated Usain Bolt who is now in the best shape of his life.

You race against Bolt in a practice match three days before the final race. The result? You place not first or second, but fifth. You now have a choice. Give up and throw away everything you’ve worked for throughout the last 4 years … or fight for your gold! How do you redeem yourself under these conditions? There isn’t much time. Your only response in a situation like this is to quickly figure out what you did wrong in your practice race and immediately fix it.

On the day of your final race, rather than be shell-shocked by the presence of Bolt you try something new. You decide to prove to the world that Usain Bolt is only human. On your mark … get set … go!” Your focus is back. This time there’s no delay in your takeoff. As you run down the track, the only thing you see in front of you is the finish line. Finally, you reach that line … only to realize Bolt is no where behind you. But then you both simultaneously cross the finish line to tie for first place. There’s your proof … there’s your redemption.

Redemption: through forgiveness

Quite frankly, unless you’re Jesus you’ve probably wronged someone at some point in this life. It may be that you stole from someone. Maybe you lied about someone. Or maybe you cheated on someone. Whatever the reason, it may have caused you to fall from grace, especially within the eyes of the person you offended or disappointed.

Many people would maintain the wrong and strong approach after hurting someone. This is usually the case because of their pride and ego. However, you can spend a lifetime moping around, being annoyed or angry over something ill you did to someone or you can do something about it. You can redeem yourself in one step simply by asking for forgiveness. Nevertheless, even if the person you wronged never forgives you, what’s more valuable in that single moment of seeking forgiveness is that you also have the ability to forgive yourself.

Redemption: through God

Arguably, this would be the go-to solution for many people to redeem themselves. No matter the religion you believe in this method only requires you to do one thing. Just let go of everything and take it to God.

To many, finding redemption through God many be airy-fairy—like nothing but a mere fantasy. But picture this: you were wrongfully accused of a heinous crime you didn’t commit. You can’t prove that you did not commit the crime and no one wishes to forgive you. Who do you talk to? Yourself?

Think what you wish about finding redemption through God but one thing is always certain. If people were entirely honest with themselves they would admit they may never be able to trust anyone 24/7 with 100% certainty. When everyone else lets you down only God may redeem you past a level that anyone else may understand.

Redemption: through avoidance

For anyone who likes to take action, avoiding treating with a situation is probably the worse way to redeem yourself. But ask yourself this: If you’re walking down the street and see a pile of crap at the side of the road, would you step in it or avoid it? If you choose step in crap, then you likely have issues that nothing in this article may help you with. For everyone else, the response is immediately going to be to just avoid that crap.

Many people make mistakes in life and incur failure. They get second and third chances to redeem themselves and yet consistently make the same errors. Another chance to cheat on your wife? Sure! How about going out of your way to make someone take the fall for something another person did? Of course! What a shame.

Long story short, you can try proving to others that you’ve changed. You can try asking for forgiveness. Or you can even just take it to God. But there are just some occasions where only you can redeem yourself simply by avoiding what you know would put you in a worse situation if you toy with it. Whores, drug dealers and larcenists, you are not exempt!

Now go take that step and redeem yourself, because redemption isn’t just part of life. It makes life worth living.