Stay Right
How many problems could be resolved before becoming something bigger, if we just asked one simple question, “What is right?” The question is the most basic consideration, and often the only one necessary.
As Peter and John stand before the council, they are told not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. Peter responds, “Whether it is right in the sight of God…” (Acts 4:19). In the parable of the vineyard the landowner said, “You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right I will give you” (Matt. 20:4). The prodigal’s father said to the older brother, “It is right…” (Lk. 15:32). Paul tells children to obey their parents, “for it is right.” Once we settle what is right, we settle all else that follows.
In our relativistic, postmodern society, where there are no absolutes, this fundamental question is lost. “What is right,” often becomes, “what is right for me is right and what is right for you is right.” Therefore, if we are not careful, we turn the objective truth of God’s word into some situational truth.
Children are told to obey their parents because it is right. The reply comes, “But parents today just don’t understand.” “My parents aren’t Christians.” “I have my own life.” None of those affect what is the right thing to do.
Caring for aged parents offers its own set of challenges. But what is right? Children care for their parents. This action is not based on affordability, time, or money. We repay our parents because it is good and acceptable before God (1 Tim. 5:4). To fail is to be worse than an infidel (1 Tim. 5:8).
What is right may not always be convenient. It may come at a cost. Children require time, attention, money, and work. Parents caring for their children is not based on whether we can afford them or not. It’s an action called by God.
“What is right” also helps with those question in the gray areas. Questions like social drinking, modesty, dance, etc. Whatever the question that’s under consideration, if we don’t first settle on what is right, any direction from there won’t truly answer the question.
It is always right to do right. There is no “I know what is right, but…” -- that is a prelude to doing what is wrong. There’s a way that is right-- unquestionably right and will not be wrong. Solving the question of what is right defines our commitment.
We should be willing to do what is right because it’s the right thing to do, but we should also do it because it pleases our God. Start right, stay right, then we’ll always be right with God. We should be enthusiastically motivated by this very prospect, the prospect of pleasing Him.
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