Do The Right Thing

By Marty Norman 

Recently I saw on TV that Governor Mike Huckabee has written a new book titled “Do The Right Thing”.  I haven’t read it yet but I sure like the title.  As best I can tell it pretty much says it all.

“Do the right thing” has always been part of my own personal philosophy. Even as a young girl my father always told me to “do the right thing”.  That was when he was still alive, and I was lucky to have him help guide and mentor me in exactly what the right thing was.  Whenever I got confused I could go and ask, and trust that he knew best.

But what happens when I am the parent, or the grandparent? What is the right thing then? Where do I go to determine the right thing, especially in these tough times and challenges of 2009?

The answer is the Bible, of course, but where? Most of us would point to the golden rule, “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.”  That is true but there’s so much more to it than that.

The book of James gives us a clue. James 1:15 tells us about sin:  “…after desire has been conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” NIV

In other words, once we think of something and plant it in our heart, it is much easier to act on it. Jesus even tells us that if we look at a woman with lust in our heart we have committed adultery. In other words, thoughts, if acted on, move into sin. And sin separates us from God. We wake up one morning and we are far from the Lord.  We have totally veered off the path of our daily walk with the savior. And we wonder how we got there?

If we trace the sin back to its origin, we will discover that it began much earlier than we had thought.  Born in the moment, it came into being when we first conceived the idea.

In order to avoid the process of sin, it is best to go to the Bible for wisdom and specific guidelines for righteous living. Years ago, Alcoholics Anonymous was founded by an Episcopal priest and a lay person. A sound program based on the principles in the book of James, it encourages people in the program to live a faith filled life. As Christians we would do well to read James ourselves, for we are also called to express that faith by the way we live out our lives.

What better way to begin 2009 than to ponder the book of James.  From it we might develop a spiritual plan for the coming year. We might even turn ourselves from bad habits, not to mention giving us ammo for questions from our children and grandchildren. Reading the book in its entirety gives us some ideas. So here’s what I’m thinking for my New Year’s Resolutions for 2009 and why:

1.  Ask God for wisdom James 1:5 – I can do nothing in my own strength
2.  Persevere in times of trial James1:12 – take one day at a time
3.  Be aware of our own evil desires James 1:14 – take responsibility for myself
4.  Listen to the word and do what it says James 2:14 – walk the talk
5.  Keep a tight rein on the tongue James 3:5 –words spoken can’t be taken back
6.  Ask for forgiveness when wrong James 3:14- be accountable when at fault
7.  Love your neighbor as yourself  James 2:12- do unto others
8.  Be humble of heart James 3:13 – pride cometh before a fall
9.  Tame the tongue James 3:3- put a guard over my mouth if necessary
10. Draw near to God and he will draw near to you James 4:8- stay in the word
11. Be patient and stand firm James 5:8 – stay the course
12. Have patience in the face of suffering James 5:10 – know that this shall pass
13. Confess your sins to one another James 5:16– be accountable to others
14. Pray for one another James 5:16, – walk with others without judgment
15. Speak the truth in love James 5:19- speak truth without judgment

Looks like I have set an ambitious 2009 agenda before God and man.  Whether or not I can carry out this plan is between me and God.  Only he can make it happen.

But if I will it so, if I daily examine my life and confess where I fall short, I am farther along the road to “doing the right thing” than I was the day before. I’m pretty sure my family will appreciate it. And I will feel more confident in being able to guide those who come behind.

Not a bad way to begin 2009!

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