Doing the Right Thing

Verse of the Day

That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness (Colossians 1:10-11)

Devotional

One mild winter day I went for my daily walk to clear my thoughts and also enjoy the fresh winter air. Feeling somewhat discouraged from some financial setbacks typical to the slower winter season, and sensing a quietness in my life that seemed to draw a curtain of loneliness around me, the Lord had a chance to speak to me.

I was thinking about other people — how everyone I knew or knew of seemed to be busy, going here and there, working, attending events and lost in the wonderful busyness of life, enjoying themselves, while I seemed to be stuck in a rut with nowhere to go. The Lord, rather than condemn me for entertaining such self-introspective thoughts, encouraged me when He said that I was actually living a life that was pleasing to Him because even though it was difficult, I was doing the right thing. I was following my convictions, and pursuing the tasks He had placed in my heart (such as writing inspirational books). That even though it was difficult for me to stay put and write, edit and publish these books myself, that it was the right thing for me to do, because these are my deepest convictions, something that I know I must complete.

Parents who are sacrificing their time for the worthy job of raising their children may also feel this way at times, that life is passing them by, as they get caught up in the many involvements of raising their children. Yet, what a rewarding task — raising children that will one day also see your sacrifice of time and treat their children with the same love and care. Still others may be busy in their life, but not satisfied, so spend their time searching for meaning and purpose in an otherwise purposeless day-to-day existence.

As well, when I went for that walk I was reminded that when all is said and done, it shouldn’t matter to me as much what other people do and don’t do, as it does what I do with this life that God has freely and graciously given me. I am only responsible for me. Far more than just seek fulfillment or the “balanced” and perfect life we sometimes pressure ourselves to lead, I need to be more concerned that at the end of each day I have done my best to follow the Lord’s leading and direction in my life. How easy it is to become discontent and forget that we are on this earth mainly for spiritual purposes, not to please our own selves and appease the “flesh” or live for our own “self” life. Sometimes we can put more emphasis on this than completing our God-given tasks at hand. When we come to the end of our days, how wonderful to know that we have done our absolute best to live a life based on doing the right thing rather than a life that simply pleased our flesh.

Prayer

Pray that God will lead, guide and direct you each day to complete the work He has for you to do, so that you may do the right thing that is pleasing to Him.

Reflection

What does doing the right thing mean for you?
Write it down and then begin today to take a step towards doing the right thing.

Other Relevant Verses