I had to do something this week that I really hate to do. I turned down a speaking engagement. They are easy to turn down when I am already booked somewhere, but I actually had this specific time slot open. The problem was that it was about the only open time slot for this whole week, and I knew I would not be able to give my best effort and preparation to it.
Do you ever have those moments when you know you should do the right thing, but you are not sure what the right thing is? I want to take a few sentences to describe a possible 5-step filtering process for determining the R.I.G.H.T. thing to do when those moments come. I hope these filters will be helpful.
- Can I do this with Respect? Does this choice honor God and everyone concerned? Does it treat every person as one who has equal value to everyone else? Will I respect myself when I have done it?
- Can I do this with Integrity? Is this choice consistent with my core values? Can I be completely honest and authentic in carrying it out?
- Can I do this with Grace? Can I see myself as an imperfect person who is seeking to give other imperfect persons a positive and challenging target for their aim or will I simply be a critic that points out everything that is wrong with their world?
- Can I do this with Hope? Do I really believe that positive steps are possible? Do I really believe that doing the right thing really, really matters?
- Can I do this with Thankfulness? Can I be thankful for the opportunity? Can I be thankful for the challenge? Can I be thankful for the people involved?
Whether the choice is between the right thing and the wrong thing or between the right thing among several good options, I think these 5-steps provide a good processing tool. Of course my personal conviction is that I need God to lead me through each step of the process.
James 1:5 (New Living Translation) says, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you.” So, He helps us answer those questions accurately.
Proverbs 21:3 (New International Version) says, “To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” So, our choices really matter to Him.
1 Peter 3:14-15 (New International Version) says, “But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. ‘Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.’ But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.” So, we must never assume that the right thing is the easy or comfortable thing. It may actually cause us discomfort or worse. But it also defines who we are and whose we are.
Interestingly, the topic I was asked to speak on was “doing the right thing.” I’ll be ready next time. Thanks for helping me prepare.
Question: What other possible filters can you think of to help us do the right thing?
Leave a comment below. I’d love to learn more from you.
