Doing what is right

Doing what is right sounds simple enough until you start to live it out. Seeking God as you pray and study His Word, loving your neighbor, keeping your mind on that which is right and good by listening to Christian music, are all things that are easily accomplished but something happens in maintaining that is unplanned. The mind and flesh begin to long for the smallest of things, things that seem to have no bearing on your state of mind or your ability to do what is right. You know what they are as you have been down this road a thousand times. It may start by listening to a song that takes your mind other places than on Jesus or your coworker says something that causes you to think unkind thoughts and you would be justified in feeling that way if Jesus hadn’t shown you the better way.

This happens to us all but it’s what we do next that matters most. Do we continue down this path leading further away from the instructions Paul gives Titus in chapters two and three or do we confess our sin and turn back to Jesus? We either don’t know the value of doing what is righteous or we have forgotten but to truly be in a place where God blesses your every step simply because you have kept His commandments is a wonderful place indeed and more than worth the effort put forth to do what is right but this place is seldom obtained. Rather we live life according to what we decide is right and when trouble comes along we cry out to God to save us. God being full of grace and mercy does intervene many times but the more we venture away from God's will the more we find that we need Him until one day something happens that causes us to focus on the face of God. God did not do this to you but bad decisions have led you to this point and God allowed it to bring you to a place of change but still it is up to us to follow Him, surrendering our will or continue down the same old path we have been walking. Isn’t it time for something new, not just a new coat of paint but new living waters springing up from the deepest part, from within?

As for you, Titus, promote the kind of living that reflects wholesome teaching.
(Titus 2:1 NLT)

For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed.
(Titus 2:11-13 NLT)

But I am like an olive tree, thriving in the house of God. I will always trust in God's unfailing love.
(Psalms 52:8 NLT)