Do The Right Thing

There’s definitely a difference between knowing what’s right and doing what’s right. In fact, it’s one of the hallmark themes in any coming of age story. In fact, it is such a foundational life experience that many of our character forming experiences in life stem from knowing the right thing to do and failing to do the right thing.

So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. (James 4:17 ESV)

Let’s get at the heart of the matter regarding this. The reason we fail to do the right thing when we know what the right thing is simply because we’re afraid of the consequences for doing the right thing. It costs us more to do the right thing often times and we do not want to pay the price. Just so you know, saying that you chose to do nothing is actually choosing to do the wrong thing because you are intentionally deciding not to take action to do the right thing. That ugly perspective of fear should not be a part of our choice. We need to bravely face the consequences of doing the right thing because our savior did first. Jesus, without a doubt or hesitation, suffered torture and then a slow murderous death to do the right thing. It cost him his life. What does doing the right thing cost us that we should fear it in light of our savior’s actions? Friends? Fortune? Fame?

Today, let’s make the intentional decision to do the right thing when we know what the right thing is. Let’s not fear it and let’s not be in sin because of it. The price you pay will be worth it.