Do The Right Thing
I grew up being taught the difference between right and wrong. I learned the right things to say and I also learned the wrong things to say. I have been known to ignore the right thing because of anger or self-centeredness. I’m certainly not the only person on earth to struggle with doing right. It’s hard to imagine what the world would be like if everyone did the right thing every time. The right thing is sometimes a bit unclear. But the majority of the time, it is “crystal clear”. I don’t’ always want to do the right thing because it may cost me money, time or even infringe on my ego and pride just a bit.
I was reading the story of Cain and Abel, the first human children mentioned in the Bible. The scripture doesn’t reveal their childhood. It does give insight that they were brought up to give sacrifices the God, the best of what they had. Cain did not do the right thing here. Abel gave the best of his flock, while Cain gave some of his crops. It’s clear to me that they were both taught to give to God and respect Him. Check this out….
When they grew up, Abel became a shepherd, while Cain cultivated the ground.3 When it was time for the harvest, Cain presented some of his crops as a gift to the Lord. 4 Abel also brought a gift—the best portions of the firstborn lambs from his flock. The Lord accepted Abel and his gift, 5 but he did not accept Cain and his gift. This made Cain very angry, and he looked dejected.
6 “Why are you so angry?” the Lord asked Cain. “Why do you look so dejected?7 You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.”(Genesis 4:2-7 NLT)
I was taught this story as a child. The story didn’t have a happy ending as Cain did not choose to do right. He was angry and jealous of his brother and killed him.
I believe that there are multiple times throughout every day that I have the opportunity to do what is right or what is wrong. Sometimes the space between right and wrong seems like a small gap. At other times, it seems like it’s a mile wide and obvious how different these choices are. There are also times when no one sees me make the choice because I’m the only one affected by my choice (or so I might think).
I am a child of the Highest King. I should act in a way that honors Him. I am here to live for Him and honor Him with my daily choices. I can’t just give Him “lip service” – words are cheap. My choices are actions that reflect where my heart is. Cain’s heart was self-centered and full of pride. Abel was living to please the Lord. The simplest of choices between right and wrong can escalate to life-long consequences – either good or bad. My daily choices reflect a bigger choice/decision whether or not to honor God. My words and actions today should honor Him, not embarrass Him. I want to live right, choose right – to honor Him.
Pressing On!
Dwayne