The "Right" Way

"The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand." Psalm 37:23-24 NIV


Have you ever pictured what the perfect world would be like? Kindness and love would be everywhere! People would take time to listen and would love you unconditionally. You would be loved for who you are. Everyone around the world would have their needs met, and their would be a sense of harmony. Yes,it would be wonderful.


Sometimes I think we can find ourselves getting up in the morning and thinking the world could be a perfect place if more people thought the same way we do. Our thoughts, opinions, and actions all reflect what we think to be the "right" way of doing things. Maybe we're all a little guilty of believing that we could create the perfect world if given the chance. If I could elect the candidates for office that I thought were the "right" candidates; if I could create policies that are the "right" ones for the employees; if I could make sure that food and basic human needs were distributed across the world with the "right" intentions; if I could teach my spouse the "right" way to do everything; if I could lead my children down the "right" path, and the list goes on and on and on. Yes, we each have a lot of thoughts, opinions,  and actions that reflect what we feel to be "right."


I will be honest in saying that political campaigns reflect to me the poorest of the human spirit. People are so focused on pointing out and relishing in the faults and mistakes of a candidate that they can't even begin to see all the wonderful attributes that a person has as a human being. I wonder what God thinks when He follows us through our days. How does he feel when we are so disrespectful of others and not willing to reach out with an ounce of grace? 


I consider myself an independent thinker and voter. Yes, I, too, have a long list of things that I think are "right."  But in those moments when I cross over to the point of not being able to see the good in others, I know it's time for me to sit down and have a talk with God about where I need help. 


Each generation learns from the next. We can't expect our children to respect and care for other children when we as adults can't grant that same blessing to others. The truth is that there is good in all people, but we can't see the good if we've made a decision about them based on biased knowledge and disrespect. Our children listen to everything we and the media says. We are forming their opinions without letting them develop them on their own. Bullying exists at all age levels, and when we believe we are always "right," it doesn't allow others around us to feel safe or confident in coming to their own understandings. It's easier to go with the bully than stand up for what you believe in.


In Psalm 37, there is much emphasis on doing what is right in the midst of all the wicked and evil that exists in the world. We are assured that if we stay committed to God that we will have no worries. We have to stand firm and be followers of Christ when the rest of the world wants us to join them in bashing others. Let's all take the negative energy that could be used to hurt others and turn it into a positive energy to support those we see as strong leaders and for those we love and care about. I'm trying every day to improve in this area. It's not easy. The negativity trap is so easy to fall into as we work our way through daily struggles.


So, the perfect world will probably never exist here on earth, but we know that someday with our faith and commitment, we will find that perfect place and those who believe will be rewarded. Let's all rejoice that God has provided us the "right" direction to live our lives.


Let us pray,
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the reminders throughout Your Word that we are asked to be different in a world filled with negativity. Keep us on the "right" path as you lead us to become more caring and respectful human beings.
Amen