Do the Right Thing

God is so much closer than many people think. In fact, when we develop a relationship with Jesus Christ, His Holy Spirit comes to live on the inside of us. John 16:7 says the Holy Spirit is our “Helper”—He wants to help us with anything and everything.

I believe one of the greatest things we need help with is to live according to God’s Word and do the right thing. Why is this so important? Because God’s Word is our instructional manual for having a great life.

When we follow His instructions, our lives are blessed with peace, joy, and fulfillment. We also become “bright lights” to show the world what God is really like (Matthew 5:16).

When it comes to “living God’s Word,” I don’t think it can be said any clearer than in James 1:22 (AMPC): But be doers of the Word [obey the message], and not merely listeners to it, betraying yourselves [into deception by reasoning contrary to the Truth].

I love this because it’s so practical. James is encouraging us to take it seriously and not deceive ourselves. I think it’s healthy for us to occasionally stop and ask, “Am I really applying God’s Word to my life? Am I doing what it says to do?”

Maybe you’re like me. After I’ve heard a teaching a few times on a particular subject, I’m tempted to think, I’ve heard this before—I know this! But the question shouldn’t be, “Do I know it?” The real question is, “Am I doing it?”

“Living in obedience to God” isn’t a very popular topic. In fact, very few people order my teachings on obedience. But I can’t think of anything that will bless our lives more than living in obedience to God’s Word and following the direction of the Holy Spirit on a regular basis.

Every single day, life presents us with choices to do the right thing. For instance, will we choose to say good things about others and not gossip? Will we use integrity with our time at work? Do we keep our word when we say we will do something? Will we truly forgive those who hurt us?

As Christians, I believe one of the greatest dangers is to think it’s okay to act like everyone else does. It’s so easy to rationalize, Well, you hurt me, so I’m going to do it to you!

But that’s not God’s way. He asks us to do what’s right even when it’s not easy. When someone hurts us, that’s when it’s time to pray, “Holy Spirit, help me. I know they hurt me, and right now this is really difficult. But help me to do the right thing.”

It’s important to remember that when we do things God’s way, He will reward us. I want to share a couple encouraging scriptures with you. First, Galatians 6:9 (AMPC) says:

And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint.

There will be times in our lives when we feel like nothing is happening, like our obedience to God isn’t making a difference. But all throughout His Word, the Lord assures us that we will reap what we sow—it’s only a matter of time! God sees every little thing you do for Him, and it all counts.

In fact, Matthew chapter 6 encourages us that God sees our actions even when no one else does. Jesus says, ...your Father, Who sees in secret, will reward you in the open (Matthew 6:6 AMPC).

Maybe someone has hurt you, and you’re still holding a grudge when you know the right thing to do is to forgive them. (Trust me, I know what it takes to press past what I feel like doing and choose to forgive someone who’s hurt me.) Or maybe you’ve wronged someone else and, in your heart, you know it’s time to humble yourself and ask for their forgiveness. Whatever the case may be, the greatest advice I can give you is to obey God’s Word.

Following the leading of the Holy Spirit and doing the right thing may not always seem convenient, and it’s not always easy, but it’s most definitely worth it! Because when you do what’s right because it’s right, you honor God. And the Bible says when you honor God, He will honor you (1 Samuel 2:30).