THE NEXT RIGHT THING

I think we all hoped the world would flip back to “normal” when the calendar changed last week. Obviously, that did not happen. Instead, more surprise and chaos were waiting for us, and ultimately, we just do not know what uncertainty awaits. However, we do have a choice amidst the chaos. When the world seems to be spinning out of control around us, we can choose to do the next right thing.

Choosing and doing the next right thing flows from a heart and mind rooted in scripture. Today, one of my favorite passages of scripture came to mind. This passage is full of life- giving instructions.

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the LORD forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the LORD Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

Colossians 3:12-17

What is the next right thing? I pulled some simple steps from this passage. If we as Christians, and specifically as the North American church, did the next right things we could be the ambassadors of peace the world is crying out for.

• Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, gentleness, and patience
• Bear with each other
• FORGIVE whatever grievances (whatever grievances – could this mean everything???)
• Put on love which leads to unity
• Let peace rule our hearts
• Be thankful
• Let the word of Christ dwell in us richly
• Teach and admonish (only after getting yourself right)
• Do it all in the name of the LORD Jesus

I know we can convince ourselves of just about anything if it is repeated long enough and loud enough. There has been an unbelievable amount of negative and hurtful messaging attacking our senses for much longer than we realize. It has created what often feels like a climate of anger, hate, and fear of the other side.

I do not believe this climate is as deep and widespread as it looks, and even if it is, it can be transformed by a new message. What an impact we could make if we started with compassion, kindness, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, love, peace and thankfulness.

What if the beautiful things were loud enough and longsuffering enough to break through the hate and fear? I choose to believe this is possible and I choose to do the next right thing to reveal the Kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven in my little sphere of influence.

Will you join me?