To Do What is Right

~Most of us continually aim to do what is 'right,' and while this may spur on a philosophical discussion about whether this statement implies a certain overarching type of Jung's Universals, let's stick to the practicality. At least as Christians, we have a certain common guide on 'what is right'. And we can use God's gifts, teaching, and prayer to follow in the 'right' way.

Skills
Exodus 35:1-36:38

"Then Moses said to the Israelites, 'Look, the Lord has chosen Bezalel son of Uri the son of Hur, from the tribe of Judah. The Lord has filled Bezalel with the Spirit of God and has given him the skill, ability, and knowledge to do all kinds of work. He is able to design pieces to be made of gold, silver, and bronze, to cut stones and jewels and put them in metal, to carve wood, and to do all kinds of work. Also the Lord has given Bezalel and Oholiah, the son of Ahisamach from the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach others. The Lord has given them the skill to do all kinds of work." (Exodus 35:30-35)

The Lord has given me so many blessings in my life, and among them is the blessing of meeting so many wonderful and faithful Christians who have put their God-given talents and skills to good use for the furthering of the kingdom. My roommate in Brazil, Marisa (tutoring director), had such an amazing ability to work with children, Dick Shreckhise (LCOB pastor) an amazing art for storytelling, my Uncle Rod (Young Adult leader, ordained minister) unbelievable patience and compassion, Christy Dowdy (pastor SCOB) a generous source of guidance, Daniel DeOleo and his family (MMF) warm and welcoming hearts that invite all into their hearts and homes, and Dave Witcovsky (Juniata chaplain) a great source of encouragement along the journey. Oh, but there are so many more... in each place where God leads me, most recently Shalom, Iglesia (here in Tucson and in Irvington).

Just like Bezalel and Oholiah before them, each one of these faithful servants and so many more are using their God-given talents, abilities, skills to 'do what is right', to further God's kingdom. Lord, I pray to follow the lead of so many examples in my life... to use the skills (dons) You have given to me and do what is right in Your eyes.

Another example, right here at the U of A... to help me teach in a way that is honoring to God... http://uanews.org/node/23789

Teaching
Proverbs 8:6-11

"People with good sense know what I say is true, and those with knowledge know my words are right. Choose my teachings instead of silver, and knowledge rather than the finest gold. Wisdom is more precious than rubies. Nothing you could want is equal to it." (Proverbs 8:9-11)

Sometimes the choice between right and wrong is honestly a choice between an extra paycheck or none. The current economic climate makes these choices between what is right and what is profitable particularly difficult. Still, I am encouraged by stories of friends who have recently reported (albiet somewhat sadly) mistakes with money that involved giving back what was not theirs. After all, we have all the access to all the riches that we need- riches in the wisdom and teachings in the Bible. If we are to be generous with giving out of our material wealth, then how much more should we give out of our spiritual wealth... the beauty of the treasures held in the Bible are not for us alone. To me it would seem that 'doing what is right' is not only following these teachings (guarding these riches) but sharing these teachings (telling of these treasure). Lord, teach me to uphold Your teachings and also share these with all who need to know You.

Prayer
Matthew 26:26-56

"Then Jesus went back to his followers and found them asleep. He said to Peter, 'You men could not stay awake with me for one hour? Stay awake and pray for strength against temptation. The spirit wants to do what is right, but the body is weak.'" (Matthew 26:39-41)

I am quite encouraged this semester that the GCF (Graduate Christian Fellowship) is focusing on prayer. Prayer is a moment that we can spent in communion with God, seeking God's will for our lives, lifting up prayer concerns, praising our Creator for the wonderful gifts He has given, asking forgiveness for the moments we have fallen. And yes... we can ask for strength and guidance. Jesus here seems to point out that just trying (of our own accord) to do what is right is not enough. Our bodies (our physical selves) are not enough to guard against temptation. We are human- we are weak... and our bodies and souls need the strength that God can give us in prayer in order to continue to follow the Lord's will and way for our lives. Lord, I pray to You for strength in this day and those that follow... that You may guide me in Your ways, because Lord my spirit does want to do what is right, but my body needs the strength that You can give to follow faithfully.