There is never a right way to do the wrong thing. There are, however, wrong ways to do the right thing. This is sometimes the manner in which we can step out of God’s will. Attitude makes all the difference!
My thoughts go back years ago when I was in the middle of a difficult situation, like the Monkey-In-The-Middle.
A wise friend advised, “You know the right thing to do. Be careful you don’t do it the wrong way.”
I have thought of this advice many times over the years and have passed it on to others. Unfortunately, I sometimes struggle with this tripping point. I’m not alone.
Presumption
Abraham clearly received a promise from God.
“Then the word of the LORD came to him:
“This man will not be your heir,
but a son who is your own flesh and blood will be your heir.”
Genesis 15:4
Sounds clear enough! But Abraham was already a senior citizen and his wife, though very beautiful, was barren and beyond childbearing age. Time wasn’t just running out; the clock struck midnight and the battery was dead.
So, Abraham and Sarah reasoned that God must need help with this one. Through Hagar, they clearly tried to the right thing, but in every wrong conceivable way. (Pun intended!)
Pride
Prayer is a good thing! A really good thing! Jesus gives us an illustration of how we can even pray in the wrong way.
“To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Luke 18:9-14
You would think in this place of prayer we could at least get things right! Attitude makes all the difference! Pride may work for the master rooster guarding his brood, but not much further.
Anger
The Samaritans rolled up the welcome mat before Jesus could cross the border to make entry. Even the disciple known as the Apostle of Love wanted to BBQ them on the spot!
“When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?”
Luke 9:54
Surely defending the Lord Jesus is worthy of drastic measures, right? Well, maybe not!
The Right Attitude Leads the Right Way
Fortunately, there is also a right way! When we are walking in the center of God’s will with godly attitude there often develops an ever-widening circle of influence and blessings.
Even in the most difficult of situations, when we seek God’s heart and His wisdom, He will give direction.
“… the people who know their God will display strength and take action”
Daniel 11:32“When you are arrested, don’t worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time.”
Matthew 10:19
Staying in that sweet spot of favour can be incredibly scary and amazing all at the same time. Who knows what paths might open up, if one is willing to do the right thing in the right way!
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