"Doing Right"

“Doing Right”

Many years ago my brother Dave’s wife Jean ordered some dishes for us which were only available through a well-known New York City area department store. When they arrived we found we’d received two more dishes than we’d paid for. At our request Jean went to the store to see how we could make up the difference. The saleslady was so shocked she had to sit down (literally). Once she regained her composure she told Jean to have us keep the items as they didn’t know how to handle such a payment (or maybe customers’ honesty). On another occasion we were overpaid by our health insurance carrier so I called and asked how to return the money. The representative said to keep it as “It’d be more trouble than it’s worth to us” to have it sent back.

In both these real life situations it was easier for vendors to leave things alone than have the right thing done. Both Karen and I were raised to (as best we could with God’s help) follow what He taught through His Word and the conscience He’s placed within us. As imperfect humans we’ve failed more often than we’d like to admit but we can’t stop making the effort (“Let us not become weary in doing good….”--Galatians 6:9).

When our son Dave and his wife-to-be Jenna were planning their wedding a friend asked me where they were living and was surprised when I told him they were keeping their own apartments until they were married. As God’s people we’re living in a world of changing values where it seems wrong is right and the right wrong. But God holds us to a higher standard: His! He gives a stern warning against twisting and rationalizing what He’s said: “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil….” (Isaiah 5:20). And the Apostle Paul admonished the believers in Rome to “Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.” (Romans 12:17). And he practiced what he preached (“…We are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of {people}.”—2 Corinthians 8:21). We’re further reminded to “Be wise in your behavior toward non-Christians….” (Colossians 4:5, Phillips). Why? You and I may be the only Bible some will read. What is my life saying to those who are reading me?

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan