As It Should Be

The righteousness of the blameless makes a straight way for them,but the wicked are brought down by their own wickedness.The righteousness of the upright delivers them,but the unfaithful are trapped by their evil desires.

Proverbs 11:5-6 (NIV)

C. S. Lewis said, “Good and evil both increase at compound interest. That is why the little decisions you and I make every day are of such infinite importance.”

Doing the “right thing” is like a crystal bell that rings deep in our souls. Doing the wrong thing is like the sound of fingernails on the chalkboard. “Right” sets a course that is clear and straight.

Fear not tomorrows, child of the King;

trust them with Jesus; “do the next thing.”

Do it immediately; do it with prayer;

do it reliantly, casting all care;

do it with reverence, . . . safe ’neath his wing;

leave all resulting; “do the next thing.”

AUTHOR UNKNOWN

Recently I came across the phrase “as it should be.” Now when I am in a moment of decision, I hear this simple phrase and it helps me to make the better choice. It helps me land right; forgive quickly, give freely, or be patient “as it should be.”

It helps me notice when others land right, too. As my friend bought a ticket for a retreat, she remembered a single mom who had no money—so she bought two. I thought, “Yep, that’s ‘as it should be.’” A teenage girl in the church made a mistake. Instead of casting her out in shame, the women came to her side and loved her. Now, that is truly “as it should be.”

Make It Personal . . . Live It Out!

Did you know that every time you make a right choice, the next right choice is easier and comes more naturally? It’s the same principle as erosion. Once a path for water is started, it gets deeper as more water flows through the grooves. The same is true with godly attitudes and thoughts. This is great news. Try it out. For instance, the more quickly you choose to overlook a rude action or word, the more quickly your thoughts are restored to peace. You’re less uptight and more resilient for the next test.

One Year Bible Reading

Numbers 15:17–16:40; Mark 15:1-47; Psalm 54:1-7; Proverbs 11:5-6