Choosing A Better Effect...

So much of life is a result of simple cause and effect. Take for instance how I've been dragging out of bed the past two mornings... a direct effect caused by my staying up later at night. Oh, and did you know that if you allow pancake batter to sit, it will become really thick? This was my discovery for this morning. The pancakes I made toward the end are a lot thicker (and not so light) than the ones I made at the very beginning.
Now why is it that so many times I can anticipate the effects that my actions will have, but even with that knowledge of the 'cause' something within me believes the effect won't be that bad; or, "I can handle it." (the famous last words of a fool)
There is this battle that rages with in me at times, not so much the battle of right or wrong, but the battle between what is good and what is best. Don't get me wrong... the struggle of sinful temptation continually rears it's head within me. Yet no matter the struggle I believe ultimately the battle ground lies within the wills... our will or God's will. With issues of sin it is an obvious departure from God's will in favor of my own, and the two are in direct conflict with each other. But even with issues between what is good (or okay) for my life verses what is best, the lines of battle are still drawn within the will. I believe God wants not only what is right for my life, but also what is best.
It should not be surprising to me to see how cause and effect works this way in my life. When I continually choose what's "okay/good" in life over what is "best" the effects can be a gradual deterioration until I find myself struggling between what is "right" or "wrong."
My devotional this morning was timely and a couple statements have really made me think. In regards to the renewing of our minds (that aligns our thinking, emotions, and behavior to that of God's Spirit) we need the help of the Holy Spirit. But yet there is a work for us do by "speaking the truth in our thoughts... to submit to the Spirit’s work within." The more I allow the Word of God to dwell in my heart and mind, the more I choose not only what is right, but also what is best for my life. This too is a matter of cause and effect.