Doing the Right Thing

We can’t allow ourselves to get tired of living the right way. Certainly, each of us will receive {everlasting life} at the proper time, if we don’t give up. Whenever we have the opportunity, we have to do what is good for everyone, especially for the family of believers. _{Gal 6:9-10 (GW)}

During the course of his intense efforts to fight against slavery, William Wilberforce came to a desperate place of discouragement, feeling he had absolutely no more strength to continue. In this condition he was about to give up, when his elderly friend, John Wesley, lying on his deathbed, was informed of his friend William’s distress. Wesley requested pen and paper, and with a quivering hand, wrote these words,

“Unless God has raised you up for this very thing, you will be worn out by the opposition of men and devils. But if God be for you, who can be against you? Are all of them stronger than God? Oh be not weary of well-doing! Go on, in the name of God and in the power of his might, till even American slavery shall vanish away before it.”

John Wesley died six days later, but William Wilberforce fought for forty-five more years, and in 1833, three days before his own death, witnessed the abolition of slavery in Britain.

Living right in a wrong world can be overwhelming at times. Trying to do right when all around seems to be bent on doing wrong can take its toil on anyone. Standing up for what is right may seem to be a very lonely road but stand we must. Fighting the good fight is a worthy goal with eternal rewards. Giving up the fight can adversely have eternal consequences.

As Christians we are tasked with the responsibility of living right in a wrong sided world. To stand upright in an upside down society. Being salt and light to a tasteless, dark world is the responsibility of the church and those who call upon the name of the Lord. It is our heritage, our cross, our mission, and yes it is our duty to our fellow citizens.

Had William given up perhaps things would be far different in the world today. If we give up things will only get worse not better. We need to be the opposing force to the spread of evil in the world.