We’re all susceptible to spending a fair amount of time and energy evaluating the lives of others,  passing judgment on whether or not they are doing the right thing in their lives.  But what really should matter to us is how we’re doing with our own lives.

The Bible warns us that we should not look with contempt toward others because of what they may or may not be doing.  The reason?  It’s simple.  We will all stand before the judgment seat of God to give an account for ourselves (Rom.14:10).

That said, we should be much more concerned about whether or not we are doing what’s right, and less concerned about what the other guy does.

Doing what you know is right can be one of the best things you can do with your life.  It liberates you from fear and guilt, and enables you do look to your future with confidence as you seek to make the most of your days.

Just this morning I saw a news report about a woman who had chosen to do the right thing after being engaged in an evil activity for eight years.  Recently, her conscious began to bother her, and finally she came to the point where she could not be involved in this activity any longer.  She had to do what was right – and she did.

And the result?  She’s happy and feels clean.  She’s looking forward to the rest of here life knowing she’s done what’s right.

Like this woman, we are all confronted with decisions as to whether or not we are going to do what’s right or not.  It might involve cheating or lying.  It might involve some immoral, unethical or even criminal activity. Whatever the case, we all face such choices.

Making the right choice can be difficult.  You may have a lot vested in staying with a way that’s wrong.  And making the right choice may bring down all kinds of undesirable consequences.  But, it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong (1 Pet.3:17).

When Joshua led the people into the promised land, he warned them that they would have to contend with the old idols of their past and new idols that they would face.  And in the midst of that challenge, they would have to choose who they were going to serve.  Would it be the idols of their heart, or the God who made them and sustained them.

“Choose this day whom you will serve,” Joshua said (Jos.24:15).

We must choose the same.

And how do we make that choice?  By the grace of God.

In His grace, God sent His Son Jesus Christ so that we would be forgiven for all the times we have chosen the wrong.  And by the same grace, He empowers us to choose the right from this point on.