Read: 1 Peter 2:11–17
For it is God’s will that by doing right you should silence the ignorance of the foolish. 1 Peter 2:15
A person of faith can’t go too far wrong in the world by doing what is right. That is the conviction of the writer of this passage of scripture. When we try to do the right thing—especially when it is costly to us—it can serve as a powerful and moving witness in the world. This is not to say that there aren’t plenty of “damned if you do, damned if you don’t” scenarios at play in the world. There is no hard and fast promise that doing the right thing will work out well for us. However, while there are opportunities to suffer for doing what is right, more often than not, making faithful choices and living by them can be a prudent path forward in life. By doing right you can live well. Difficult situations and difficult people can be overcome and transformed for the better when people dare to live out the best of their faith. It is very difficult to fault someone for being faithful.
Do you do what is right?
Lord, I am reluctant to claim to know what is right. I am aware that much harm has been done in Your world by people who believe they know Your will and claim to know what is best. In truth, I am only one act of hubris away from joining the self-righteous. However, while I am never entirely certain about right behavior, I feel fairly clear about behavior that is wrong. I don’t want to be hurtful, I don’t want to be divisive, and I don’t want to be destructive. With all my heart I want to be a healing, unifying, and encouraging member of Your family. Help me to choose well…so that I might do well. In Jesus’ name, I pray. AMEN.