The Right Thing

I John 2:29 “If you know that he is righteous, you know that everyone who does what is right has been born of him.”

Most cases of right and wrong are pretty simple. Oh, we may make them more difficult with our excuses and our justifications, but deep down, we know right from wrong. And because we call ourselves Christians, choosing the right thing is easy. Right?

DANGER

It should be, but sometimes it is difficult. After all, what if everyone else is doing it? Everyone at the table is laughing at the crude joke, or whispering about the man who cheated on his wife. If we refuse to participate, or tell them to stop, they won’t like us. And what about when our neighbor offers to rig us up for free cable? Who is that really going to hurt? Sometimes, even though we know what is right, choosing what is right can be difficult.

But that’s how we set ourselves apart. That is how the world recognizes us as belonging to Christ, and how we recognize each other. And that is how He will identify us as His people. We must ask ourselves, Will people know I am a Christian by watching my behavior? Do I always do what is right, even when it is difficult? Even though we mess up at times, we should strive to always be righteous, as He is righteous.

Dear Father, Please help me to always do the right thing, even when it’s hard. Please let my actions tell others that I belong to You. I love You.
Amen

4 Responses to The Right Thing

  1. May 6, 2009 #

    Having a fully integrated Christian life is a sign of a committed Christian. How can we think anything escapes God’s notice? Also, if we have children, little eyes are watching everything we do.

  2. May 6, 2009 #

    You’re right, Anne. Easier said than done, at times, though. Good thing we serve a patient God!

  3. May 6, 2009 #

    So often the Lord reminds me to do the right thing even when no one is looking. He sees and he knows my integrity. I can’t tell you how much it’s helps me to remember that God sees me doing the right thing even if I believe it will cost me. When I’m tempted not to do the right thing, I picture Him standing in front of me, shaking His head in disappointment. Oh, how that imagine shakes off my desire to ignore what is right.

  4. May 7, 2009 #

    Thanks, Sharon! That’s a good image for all of us to remember.

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