Do the Right Thing

   “My obligation is to do the right thing.  The rest is up to God.” (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.)

   Throughout history there have been those who have done the right thing regardless of the cost.  The bible is full of examples of those who choose to follow the right path even when they had no idea where it would lead.  They made the decision to do what God asked of them and trusted that it was right if it were God's will.

   Abraham left home to journey to the land God promised him never doubting that it was the right thing to do.  Moses challenged the great Pharaoh of Egypt to set the Israelites free.  God convinced him that it was what was needed of him.

   Many prophets followed God’s calling, proclaiming His word to the people to whom they were sent.  They performed miracles and healings as evidence that they were sent by God.  In many cases they risked their lives confronting those who had disobeyed God.  They warned them of God’s punishment to come if they didn’t repent and change their ways.

   In more recent times St. Teresa devoted her life to serving those most needy in the streets of Calcutta.  St. Damien volunteered to serve as pastor to a leper colony knowing full well that he would most likely catch the disease and die of it.  In Germany’s death camps St. Maximilian Kolbe gave his life to save that of another.

   We too are called to do the right thing.  In our society today perhaps one of the most important things we can do is stand up for God and His ways.  We are faced everyday with those who want to deny Him and reject His teachings.  It seems society wants to eliminate God completely from our lives.  Taking a firm stance for God in our lives may mean facing the slander and even hatred of those who oppose Him but it is the right thing.  God will take it and make it bigger and better if we will persist in our efforts.

   Dr. King’s words should speak to us and strengthen us in our efforts to do good in this world.  Whatever good we do will be used by God.  He will increase its’ effect and make the world a better place through our actions.  Our part is to simply do it and let God take over.