In 1989, 'Do the Right Thing', Director Spike Lee's hit motion picture, came out. It was very commercially successful, and garnered numerous accolades and awards, including Academy Award nominations for Best Original Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actor. In today's hectic, fast-paced world there are so many uses to which we can put our valuable time and talents. So, of all the many things we could do daily, how do we determine how to do the right thing? We want our actions, first of all, to be good and not bad. We want them to be constructive, not destructive; sound and not foolish. Doing what is good is one of the most basic definitions of doing the right thing. Doing what is good helps to lead us to a satisfying, fulfilling and successful life! And sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others is one of the best things we can possibly do. As documented in Matthew 28:19-20, it is the last recorded, personal directive of Jesus to his disciples. Sharing the gospel with others is the 'Great Commission', not the 'Great Suggestion'! Putting our faith into action, is without a doubt, a model of doing the right thing. The English poet, John Donne, famously wrote; "No man is an island, entire of itself. Every man is a piece of the continent, part of the Main..." Like ripples from a pebble tossed into the sea, every action we take has an indelible impact on others: our families, our neighbors, the continent of humanity, the Main. In Matthew 22:39 Jesus tells us to "Love your neighbor as yourself." He didn't say hate your neighbor, deceive your neighbor, nor rip your neighbor off. "Love your neighbor." And loving your neighbor involves doing an abundance of good for your fellow human being, just as you would do for yourself. Loving your neighbor, therefore, absolutely qualifies as another prime example of doing the right thing. So, we can, in all good conscience, daily 1) share Jesus, and 2) love others - with the greatest confidence in knowing that we are doing the right thing! Until next time, Stay Blessed! Kenneth Lillard
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AuthorHi! I'm Kenneth Lillard, author, ordained minister, and motivational speaker. This blog is an expression of some of my thoughts and opinions. I'm glad you stopped by. Hope you'll share some of your comments while you're here. Be Blessed! |