DOING THE RIGHT THING

DOING THE RIGHT THING

Luke [ESV] 18:9-14 He [Jesus] also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: "Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.' But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted."

  Without a worldview based in the Word we cannot mature or please God. To realize spiritual growth requires personal application of the Word in candidly seeing the whole picture of self. (Note DT CAPABILITIES 6/11/18)

  There’s lots of evil deeds perpetrated, but there’s also lots of people that do the right thing. The question for us is not “If?” but “Why?” -- as in motivation. (It’s like asking “Why war?” when the better question is “Why peace?”.)

  We must not deny we’re naturally not good, bent toward selfishness, much preferring to have life all about us. (Mt.19:17; Rom.3:10; 23)

  I recognize 5 levels of motivation to do the right things.

  Base level one is centered in fear, fear lived with so long that in most matters it is no longer always recognized. This includes fear of getting caught and penalties that could or would result; embarrassment, loss of respect and credibility, dismissal, incarceration, financial, marital, et al. In one word, preservation.

  Level two involves maintaining honor, connections and facility to accomplish desires et al.

  Level three is grounded in love of individual, family, culture et al.

  Level four has to do with concept of atonement.

  Level five has to do with submissively embracing the precept of Romans 5:8 forgiveness, God’s redemption without any qualification other than need and helplessness on our part. (Eph.2:8-9) Good deeds that spring forth from desire to do our utmost for His highest. (Lk.6:36; 18:13; Jn.14:15, 23-24; 15:10)

  The psalmist David expresses and explains this truth well: “Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.” (Ps.103)

  All else honors not God, but “ME”. 

EBB4   Wednesday, June 13, 2018