Make A DecisionSample

Prayer: Before you begin to read, pray that God reveals truth to you through these passages. Ask God to change your heart and deepen your understanding for what it means to do what is right in all circumstances.

When No One is Looking…

I became a thief when I was 4 years old. This life change wasn’t a noble crusade of stealing from the rich to give to the poor, or an attempt to survive by stealing only what I needed to live. Instead, I entered the world of crime because I wanted a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup. To be fair, I asked my mom if she would buy it for me at our local mall’s candy store, but when she said “no” I knew I had to take matters into my own hands.

As soon as that little candy treat entered my pocket, I knew I was living on the edge of disaster. As soon as we walked out of the store, I knew I couldn’t let go of that little crime until I was safe in the secrecy of my own bedroom. And as soon as my mom asked me why I looked nervous and wouldn’t stop fidgeting with something in my pocket, I knew I was going to prison.

Thankfully, I avoided jail time, but I could not avoid walking back to the store with my mom to return the stolen good and apologize for taking something that didn’t belong to me. In my moment of theft, I thought that as long as I could avoid getting caught, I could pursue any desire and do anything regardless of what was right or wrong. But in my moment of repentance, I realized that wrong is wrong, regardless of who is watching me at any given time. 

In 1 Peter 2:13-15, God not only commands us to submit to authority, but also to submit in doing right. Typically, we don’t have a natural tendency to do this. It is not natural to submit to authority when it requires us to go against our own desires. Often, we are quick to take the easy way out, especially when we can get away with it. It’s easier to use our textbook for that take home exam where the professor won’t be anywhere in sight. Or to slip in late to class or work because, after all, no one really is monitoring when we show up. However, as believers in Jesus we are called to be different. 

Our focus needs to be on pursuing what is right for the Lord’s sake, even when we have the freedom to do wrong and get away with it. When doing right, we not only silence the critics of our faith, but honor God in the process.

Questions to ask yourself:

1. Have you found yourself “taking the shortcut” or not submitting in doing right because it is inconvenient or demands sacrifice on your part?

2. Read Titus 3:1-2 and really consider what it means to “be ready for every good work.” Do you live your life with this attitude in mind?

What’s Next?

1. Confess to yourself and to God any personal sin where you have failed to submit in doing the right thing. Ask God to humble you and remind you of the faithful servant He has called you to be.