6-8-06

Doing the right thing is rarely the same as doing the easiest thing.  
First, we are not naturally inclined to agree with Jesus about the
nature of right things even though we know as Christians that the
definition of  'doing right' is to do what Jesus says is right.  We
always seem to think our situation is an exception or that He didn't
really mean what He said.  

Then, it can often be hard to do the right thing because the short
term consequences can be difficult and painful.  It is very painful to
call someone right back and say, "I just lied to you, this is what was
really said."   Even if we call back we are likely to make some kind
of attempt to make what we did somehow excusable.  On top of
that, our compadres (even our victims sometimes) will make
excuses for us!  Try to confess a sin and most of your friends will
explain it away for you.  They are not doing you the favor they think
they are - and they probably expect repayment in kind.  That's not
the right thing either.

Then there are the ones that just let you know you are crazy.  "You
are just going to let them keep your lawnmower!  And, you're taking
the weed eater over too!"  Now I fully realize that many people
interpret the more difficult parts of the Sermon on the Mount in a
somewhat, shall we say, more lenient way than my statement
implies.  Okay, I admit room for disagreement, but that is certainly
less stringent than dying for your friend if needed (which seems to
be a much clearer statement in scripture than the other).  And even
more stringent and clearer yet - does anyone disagree that Jesus
meant for husbands to love their wives as He loved the church?   
Try it.  You'll find giving up the lawnmower much more reasonable
afterward.

I haven't even gotten around to your enemies, sworn to keep you
from doing right, the world, the flesh, and the devil.  Also, its not
popular, everyone disagrees about it (see above), and it can cost
you your money and even your life.  But, its still right and the right
thing to do.  If it was easy there likely would have been no need for
the cross.

You can do it, though, because God wants you to do it and God
provides power to do what He wants done.  Resources of any kind
necessary are available to every Christian.  So, start agreeing with
Jesus and take it from there.

Dale

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