The Right Thing to Do

Recently I listened to a conversation on the radio about people’s motivation to be involved, help out, fix, advocate, etc. Often the answer was ‘because it’s the right thing to do’. The conversation then continued to challenge the idea that what one person may perceive to be the ‘right’ reason may not necessarily be shared by another. I found this a fascinating idea to ponder over and reflecting how I’ve justified a particular response, action, because I truly believed it was the right thing to do. Yet I realise that there are often much deeper reasons, some noble, some not so.

The question this then raises for me – how well do I (we) listen to what others are saying when their reason to do something – or not do something – differs to mine (ours). How do we nurture the dialogue with one another when differing views (which individually we truly believe are right) don’t align up as clearly as we might like? This takes a lot of patience and lots more listening than talking.

One of my favourite verses come from Philippians. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8

Think about such things – look at the whole picture. Being right is only part of who we are, that transforming work of the Holy Spirit is always a part of our growth, challenging us to think through our motives, our actions, our purpose. I’m being challenged to not hold on so tightly to the idea that what I do is the only right way/thing to do. Maybe, just maybe, other people’s ways of seeing/doing something could be more right than mine. Now wouldn’t that be exciting.

Blessings to you all,

Cheryl