I always think, "well, duh" when I am told it is best to embrace doing the right thing. But the deeper truth is this: there are challenges in figuring out what is "right" and then having the guts, strength, willingness to do what is right.
I'll start by stating this clearly: it is NOT right to take what I have neither earned nor been given; it is never right to harm another, either directly or indirectly except to the degree necessary to protect myself or those for whom I am responsible; it is never right to control another beyond the appropriate and loving correction of a child in my care. More clearly stated, I may not strike my family or friends in anger; I may not take advantage of my aging relatives just because I can; I can't provide drugs or alcohol to folks and say what they do with it is not my responsibility. As a general rule I may not break the law or help anyone else to do so.
And, although most don't think about this, this is not just about "being good" but about "being committed to keep myself safe" in the sense that even if I don't get in trouble with the law or other responsible parties I will always bear the guilt of my choices until I repent and make amends for such behaviors and accept God's forgiveness. The more common outcome is to believe the damnable lie that God hates me and I am unworthy of God's love or any good thing because I am bad.
And there is the issue of trying to figure out, beyond what NOT to do, what am I to DO when caring for vulnerable charges, achieving admirable goals without unethical shortcuts, or doing a kindness even when inconvenienced to so--for missing the mark bruises our souls.
Please, no matter what error you may make, what horrid path you may find yourself sliding down, know this most basic and important truth: God loves you and longs to be in relationship with you. God is ready right this minute to hear anything you might want to say or think, fear or long for. God is more powerful than any mistake you have made. God has a purpose and plan for your life that awaits only your willingness.
God gives us wisdom to discern the right thing and supports us to act in kind and honorable ways. We can't do this alone and God does not expect us to do so. But we can do all things with increasing ability by God's Grace. (Philippians 4:13)
* Ephesians 6:10-18
I'll start by stating this clearly: it is NOT right to take what I have neither earned nor been given; it is never right to harm another, either directly or indirectly except to the degree necessary to protect myself or those for whom I am responsible; it is never right to control another beyond the appropriate and loving correction of a child in my care. More clearly stated, I may not strike my family or friends in anger; I may not take advantage of my aging relatives just because I can; I can't provide drugs or alcohol to folks and say what they do with it is not my responsibility. As a general rule I may not break the law or help anyone else to do so.
And, although most don't think about this, this is not just about "being good" but about "being committed to keep myself safe" in the sense that even if I don't get in trouble with the law or other responsible parties I will always bear the guilt of my choices until I repent and make amends for such behaviors and accept God's forgiveness. The more common outcome is to believe the damnable lie that God hates me and I am unworthy of God's love or any good thing because I am bad.
And there is the issue of trying to figure out, beyond what NOT to do, what am I to DO when caring for vulnerable charges, achieving admirable goals without unethical shortcuts, or doing a kindness even when inconvenienced to so--for missing the mark bruises our souls.
Please, no matter what error you may make, what horrid path you may find yourself sliding down, know this most basic and important truth: God loves you and longs to be in relationship with you. God is ready right this minute to hear anything you might want to say or think, fear or long for. God is more powerful than any mistake you have made. God has a purpose and plan for your life that awaits only your willingness.
God gives us wisdom to discern the right thing and supports us to act in kind and honorable ways. We can't do this alone and God does not expect us to do so. But we can do all things with increasing ability by God's Grace. (Philippians 4:13)
* Ephesians 6:10-18
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