Because It's the Right Thing to Do

When we know the right thing to say or do, but our pride, fear, or keeping-score rises up to squash what we know to be right—in other words, what we know to be Christian, meaning what God would have us do—we, because of God through whom we are supposedly maturing, must do the right thing anyway.

Having struggled mightily in this, as most do, I do not say the above lightly. Pride is a warm and fuzzy friend with whom it is so easy to pacify ourselves. 

Because we so often do not want to do the right thing (especially when it comes to forgiveness, second chances and acknowledging the positives in a person with whom we struggle), and would not choose to do so if left completely alone to go about our day however we prefer, God has given us His Spirit to overcome this self-centeredness.

And although we can do the right thing to merely assuage guilt (which, let’s be honest, is still a form of self-centeredness that doesn’t procure increased maturity, but which, to be fair, is a good beginning), the better way is to do the right thing for the sole purpose of living out what God has wisely taught us all these years. 

What is the point, in the end, of our “prayer life,” church attendance, knowing the Bible inside and out, charitable works to strangers, if, when it comes to letting God rule truly both our heart and mind, pride wins? 

To own this objective reality of God—this doing the right thing—is to go beyond our lawyerly sense of reason and justice. It is what it means to be free of self dominance over our not always trustworthy inner heart and mindset. 

It means that, even if we sigh as we do the right thing, we can sit back after we do it and, in humility, know by our conscience before God, that it was indeed right, because it was of God, no matter how the doing may sting even a little bit. 

When we decide to give God His say in matters that conflict us, our conscience, if we are sincerely wanting God to lead, will reveal any motivation that lets us know when we are defying His wisdom.

Over time, this actually becomes joyful. Because I don’t know about anyone else, but living in my own jurisprudence is not a thriving, peaceful, or fun way to live. 

Whatever comes after our doing the right thing—responses, reactions, resentment, unforgiveness, continued or new misunderstandings from others, or—surprise!—peace, goodwill, closure, respect between us and others—God will contend with that too, all the while continuing to offer love, support, encouragement and guidance every step of the way.

Copyright Barb Harwood