Friday, July 5, 2013

By: Rachelle Hitt Bilbo

What SEEMS Right

Proverbs 14:12, There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.

One morning, when I was a young child, I thought I would surprise my parents with breakfast in bed. Although they told me many times before that I was not allowed to operate the coffee pot, it seemed like it was "okay" this ONE time. Of course, they were flattered to see the interesting spread of breakfast items that I had thrown together on a crawfish platter for them. However, they were disappointed that I disobeyed them by operating a potentially dangerous appliance. Although the correction was gentle because they understood my heart, I still felt like I was doing the "right" thing and couldn't totally "get" the discipline.

This 20-year-old illustration may seem silly, but I remember it like it was yesterday.

There are things that we do in life that seem like the "right" thing to do but in actuality we are acting outside of God's PERFECT will.

Too often we judge "right" and "wrong" based off of standards set by society or by ourselves in the heat of a moment. In teaching our children to live morally, we attempt to explain acceptable and unacceptable behavior but sometimes neglect to explain that NOT everything is black and white. Sometimes what is "right" or "wrong" is not always clear in a situation.

Many people feel justified in a situation to respond by following their "hearts." Others say to do what makes "sense" or is "logical." Many also advise to do what "feels" good. All three of these solutions are somewhat flawed. Many times, following your heart could result in a rash, passionate, "in-the-moment" kind of decision. Doing the logical thing is not always the right thing either. God's solutions do not always make "sense." Finally, doing what "feels" good could just lead to TEMPORARY emotional and physical pleasure.

The "right" thing or the "right" answer lies in the Word of God and the Spirit of God. The more you spend time in prayer, learning God's Word, and seeking Godly counsel, what is "right" (even in tough situations) becomes extremely clear.

As we all draw nearer to God, in many instances, the right thing WILL begin to line up with what is on our hearts, what makes sense, and what feels good to do.

I challenge you to always seek God when that line between "right" and "wrong" seems a little skewed. He always knows what is just RIGHT for YOU!

Dear Lord, Please give me clarity in all my decisions so that my actions always bring honor to You.

I thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.