The Right Thing to Do

Over the weekend, I was introduced to the movie, Lars and the Real Girl.  Interesting film!    

In the movie, Lars asks his brother Gus how a guy can know when he has become a man.  He’s trying to determine if that first sexual encounter will put him on the road to manhood.  Initially, Lars’ brother says yes, that is part of it, but then he reconsiders and gives a more thoughtful response.  Gus tells his younger brother that he will have become a man when he’s committed himself to doing the right thing, and not just for himself, but for everyone involved.  This conversation between brothers was one of the more endearing moments in the film for me, in part because Gus apologizes for being selfish in the past and for taking care of himself, instead of watching out for his little brother.  It is a humbling moment between two grown men that’s got me thinking. 

The advice that Gus gave Lars rang true in my heart when I heard it spoken as lines in a movie.  It still rings true today. 

          1.  Do the right thing, and not just for yourself, but for everyone. 

Okay, so I accept that this is good advice and I need to do the right thing for everyone involved.  This is also relevant advice, because I’m facing a problem in my life that involves other people.  Some are being harmed.  Others are the perpetrators of that harm. What do I do in this situation? 

An answer to this inquiry seemed to flow to me from Proverbs 3 today–first, consult God.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.  Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.”  Proverbs 3: 5-7 

This wonderful verse has now become the second step in my understanding of what the right thing is to do.

           1.  Do the right thing, and not just for yourself, but for everyone.

          2.  Trust in the Lord with all your heart, refusing to be wise in your own eyes.

My next question was, “But what if I still don’t understand, still am not sure what God is saying?  What if God is silent when I ask the question, “What is my part.” 

I found the following statement on a message board provided by Christianity Today: 

“When you cannot trace His hand, trust His heart.” 

Wow, okay.  I can do that.  God has spoken to me through seemingly disconnected sources and provided a sound three-fold approach to the challenge associated with doing the right thing.

          1.  Do the right thing, and not just for yourself, but for everyone.

          2.  Trust in the Lord with all your heart, refusing to be wise in your own eyes.

          3.  When you cannot trace God’s hand [or know where it leads], trust His heart.

Here’s the thing, our God is a gracious God, a mighty God and a compassionate God.  In the midst of difficulties with people, I work with a limited perspective.  I often don’t know anything about the iceberg that sits beneath the surface of the water of other’s lives.  I often don’t have access to their inner thoughts, personal insecurities and overall pain.  Especially when they are doing wrong, people hide the truth.  Sometimes, they hide it because they’re afraid or feel defeated.  They may not know what is bothering them, or they can’t find the words or courage they need to admit it to others.  I don’t know, but God does, so in any difficulty I face with another person I need to first and foremost realize that the right thing for me to do is give over the battle, as well as the victory, to God. 

In all difficulties, I need to depend on God’s grace and his love for me, instead of what I see unfolding before me.  Displays of anger, irritation, avoidance and such can often be confusing when they are taken at face value, and they aren’t always the best indicators of true and enduring affections.  When I am faced with an emotional display of this kind, I need to trust God alone.  Most often, being silent and leaning on the ability to listen well will be my best defense.  Beyond that, I have to let God set the pace for the relationship.   Wisdom flows from his love, not my understanding in these situations.

Sometimes, its hard to know what the best course of action is for an action oriented gal like me, but waiting on the Lord and looking for his plan is always a good thing to DO.  As I await his coming, and yes, he is coming soon, I’ve also decided to bask in the beauty of his love, wisdom and hope.  He won’t let me down, He will never give me up and He always finds time to comfort me, especially when I’m confused by people, which I often am.  I’m a pretty lucky gal, and I know it.  Hoping you feel the same way today.  God bless you this Easter!