Do We Really Have to Do the Right Thing?
People often do what is wrong – whether it is intentional or not. They do things or say things that hurt (often deeply). And human nature is to retaliate by doing the same thing – to try to hurt them.
I know. I have faced my share of being hurt.
But I also have lived long enough to know that retaliating leads to a snowball effect. With each act of retaliation, things get worse and worse because no one wants to quite retaliating.
We need to stop and ask, “Why?” Why would someone not do what is right?
In the early days of the church, many people attacked Christians because they did not understand, did not want to understand, or refused to accept the faith. The Apostle Peter realized that ultimately it was because they were spiritually foolish. They did not know how to face spiritual reality and their own need for salvation. And that led him to state in 1 Peter 2:15, “For it is God’s will that you silence the ignorance of foolish people by doing good.”
Many people are still spiritually foolish, and they attack and slander those who try to do what is right. Do right anyway.
They may not be able to handle looking in a mirror at their own lives. Do right anyway.
They may not want to face their own fears. Do right anyway.
They may think that doing wrong is what everyone is supposed to do. Do right anyway.
They are watching. Others are watching. And doing right is the only way things can change
Galatians 6:9 states, “Let us not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up.”
We do not always want to get doing good. It seems easier to quit or lower ourselves to the tactics of those who hurt.
However, before you were born, God knew that you would read this. Could He be talking to you? Could He want us to begin the process of setting things right?
Please do not stop doing what is right. With faith in Jesus, we can trust Him with anything and anyone.
When Dr. Jay Cook is asked to share a little of himself; his reply is, “Good question. I ask it a lot.” His delight is sharing that he is a blessed man – married to a wonderful woman (Kristi Cook) – and awed by his two amazing kids (Jameson & Amelia Rose). He has served in ministry for over 30 years and loves to help others in any way he can. Jay is the Associational Missions Strategist for the Leake County Baptist Association, and a part of an amazing new church (3:16 church) in Canton, MS. He also helps other churches (as he is able) through revivals, conferences, or however God leads. He shares his thoughts of a man just trying to live for Jesus (and wanting to help others do the same) through his blog at Dr. Jay Cook.
Photo by Pixabay
He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD.(Psalms 33;5)
The Scripture assures us that we will experience the love or goodness of the Lord so long as we do the right thing.