When Doing Right Is Wrong

When Doing Right Is Wrong

In the wilderness, Moses commanded the people of Israel, "You shall not at all do as we are doing here today - every man doing whatever is right..." (Deuteronomy 12:8).

Why was he telling them not to continue doing what was right? Doing right is what we are always supposed to do, is it not?

Listen to Moses' words in full: "You shall not at all do as we are doing here today - every man doing whatever is right in his own eyes."

The people were doing only what was right in their own eyes, without consulting the One who alone has the right to decide what is right and wrong.

This continues to be the curse of God's people today. We fail to seek counsel from the One who alone is King in His kingdom, and who alone has the right to call the shots.

Why were God's people in the wilderness unable to discern what was truly right? Moses goes on to say, "...for as yet you have not come to the rest and the inheritance which the Lord your God is giving you" (Deuteronomy 12:9).

So long as Christians are busy doing for God what is best in their own eyes, they will never enter into His rest and the true inheritance that is theirs to enjoy  now. They will only be sweating it out, and end up weary, discouraged, depressed. They will likely become deeply cynical.

They will finally want to quit, and quit they must. They must quit depending on self-effort, and instead recognize the Truth: "I cannot - God never said I could; but God can, and always said He would!" 

True repentance says, "I cannot," and true faith adds, "But God, You can!" Then you can reign in life as you let God be God, and you allow Him to show you that He is big enough for the job!

Reflect again on this truth: Righteousness is doing right in God's eyes, and God alone is the author of righteousness. For any activity of yours or mine to produce righteousness, God Himself must be the source of it. Are you allowing Him to do this in your life?

"Our power and ability and sufficiency are from God" (1 Corinthians 3:5).

1. In what particular aspect of your life at this time do you need to learn to say to God, "I cannot, but You can"?

2. In what particular areas of life are you facing discouragement or cynicism?

3. Are you allowing God to be the author of righteousness in your life?

~W. Ian Thomas~