We may wonder what the right thing to do is, at times. It is more difficult to determine what is right if we are making our determination based on a worldly perspective. The world will pull us in many different directions at different times. It will depend on who is popular, who we choose to listen to, and even our political culture.
To truly choose what is right, we must listen to one voice, that is the Holy Spirit. Many people will wonder how to listen for the Holy Spirit. Well, it requires us to learn to listen to him, learn to be quiet, and spend time in prayer asking God to reveal his will through the Holy Spirit. Initially, it is no easy task. However, it grows easier as we learn and become accustomed to listening.
The Apostle Paul both encourages and admonishes the church in Thessalonica to continue doing the right thing. In the verses leading up to the verse below, Paul speaks to being responsible, working, and not being busybodies. Keeping these things in mind, he encourages the church members to continue to do the right thing.
We can take Paul’s words as instructional and encouraging to us as we seek to do the right thing. Much of the division we see all around us, whether in families, communities, or our country revolve around people being busybodies or spreading rumors. Rather than simply restating everything we hear, we would be better suited to verify it to be true first. Additionally, rather than taking everything as a personal attack, first determine if there is truth in what is stated and decide to make changes to our behavior when needed.
Being responsible is not merely doing what we say we will do but taming our tongue. Sure, we should do the best we can at our work and taking care of our families. At the same time, we must be mindful of how we speak to one another, not only in words but in tone and body language. In simple terms, we should sift everything we do and say through the Holy Spirit and the guidance provided to us in God’s Word.
We have a golden opportunity before us today. There are many people hurting or struggling or broken or grieving. We may be one of them. Yet, when we do the right thing and minister to others, we receive the blessing of being ministered to. God blesses us in our work. He blesses us when we bless others.
The encouragement and admonishment of Paul was not only valid two-thousand years ago but is valid today. As we live our lives today, in the culture we live in today, we can be part of the healing we all need. We can participate with God, as we do the right thing, in accomplishing his will for all of us. We can show Jesus to those who need Him and bring them into a relationship with Him, saving them from eternal condemnation.
2 Thessalonians 3:13 Brothers and sisters, do not be weary in doing what is right.
Marty Pressey 