the right way

I try to do the right thing. I usually know what it is, and want to do it. Often it's not big moral dilemmas, or really tempting situations, but mostly things that fall under the category of "obligation". Like how I care for my family and my home. How I relate to those around me. How I spend my time. There's usually a "right" response in every situation.

Doing the right thing is usually an easy choice. But the attitude I bring to it, or even the feelings I keep inside don't always necessarily match up with my choices and actions. So then am I still doing the right thing?

This morning I read these words in Isaiah 56: "Do what's right and do it in the right way". I went on to read the rest of the chapter, but my eyes continually went back to that line in verse 1. I take that to mean God has something he wants me to focus on there. As I asked him what he wants me to know today, I was also reminded of the words in 1 Corinthians 13. The whole chapter is worth reading through, but I was specifically brought to the idea that without love, I'm nothing.

What if I did the right thing and did it with love? Consistently, in every situation? How would that affect the way I do the right thing? For one thing, the word "obligation" would probably disappear. Wouldn't that be nice? And wouldn't those around me be touched by that love? The love that actually comes from the Father?

My prayer for myself today is that I do what's right and do it in the right way. He assures me he has enough love to cover it. What if we all prayed that today?

-Candice