Whoever isolates himself seeks his own
desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment. A fool takes no pleasure in
understanding, but only in expressing his opinion. When wickedness comes,
contempt comes also, and with dishonor comes disgrace. The words of a man's
mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.
Proverbs 18:1-4
Proverbs 18:1-4
It sounds crazy but it is possible to do the right thing the
wrong way, or in this case, for the wrong reason. However, wrong reasons may
also involve an effective motivation to do what is right.
- Because it's easy - Scripture tells us, and life confirms that it is not
natural or easy to do what is right.
Actually it is just the opposite.
- Because it's fun to do what is right - Responsibility is often
translated as work and requires doing many things that are not enjoyable
but necessary.
- Because you don't get in trouble - there is nothing positive
about this motivation.
- Because you receive rewards - there is something selfish
about this motivation. These are
secondary motivations. These are dog training methods. There is no element
of reasoning in performing these.
- Because it pleases others - (Mom, dad, the preacher,
teachers, friends, etc.) Too many people discover too late that they have lived
under this philosophy. It is a wrong focus. In place of focusing on right or wrong,
the focus is others. If you will do right for others, then you will do
wrong for them as well. Changing groups can cause changing morals. If your morals change and you compromise
regularly you may be a victim of this mode of thinking.
Solid
Reasons for Righteous Living
- Do what is right because it creates proper character - Character is displayed by
what people do, not what they think or believe. Doing the right thing
often leads to thinking of the right way by the positive results we
receive. A solid truth is, "Do what you want to be". Doing what
is right normally leads to being around others who do what is right. Friends
have great impact on character.
- Do what is right because it benefits others - No man is an island, no man
stands alone. Therefore, your right decisions bless my life and
others around you. In the same sense, wrong actions, attitudes or
responses affect much more than the individual doing them. Surround
yourself with people who are further along in the journey. There is no
reason to learn every lesson yourself when you have perfectly good
examples right in front of you. Take advantage of this counsel and learn
from the mistakes of others so your own learning curve is not so steep.
You can take comfort in knowing that one day your mistakes may serve to
help someone else
- Do what is right because it’s fulfilling and purposeful - Very little pleasure or fun does anything constructive or
beneficial. God's guidance means
that a fair question is, "What did you do this week or even today
that furthered the kingdom?" Fulfillment is a much higher feeling
than pleasure. It gives a sense of
self-worth and dignity.
- Do what is right because it displays God in you - True morality without God is impossible. For, without his direction, proper
behavior in all situations is impossible. 2. The man who disdains God may
be good but he won’t be right.
Right is more than good…it is the proper thing at the proper
occasion for the proper purpose
- Do what is right because wrong is sin and separates you
from God - Truth is truth regardless of
whether it is accepted or followed.
The truth is that sin is condemned by God and punished. You cannot live wrong and be right
with God. It is God's joy to lead us into an abundant life, not
for us to experience the destructive nature of sin or wrong.
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Proverbs 3:6
