Action

“'We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty'.” (Luke 17:10).

God the Father and the Holy Spirit (Pompeo Batoni)

It is really important to do the right thing.  This is the only way to make this life bearable.  While it might be more fun and entertaining to pick the easier route, it is certainly not the best way to approach things.  Philosophers have argued that when we choose to tell the truth we achieve the best possible outcome.  This is not to say that telling the truth is easy or even that when we tell the truth that things will be wonderful.  Rather, this is to say that when we tell the truth, even if the outcome is uncomfortable, it is the most comfortable and best possible outcome we could hope to achieve.  For example, if I have stolen something and I lie about it, I might get away with the crime, but I will also be setting myself up in the habit of lying.  I might also become worried about this and spend a lot of my time thinking about the lie and waiting to be exposed because of it.  As a result of this I might become a bigger liar who may get caught out on a big lie at some point in the future.  And even if I were never caught out, I would develop the habit of lying, which would make me a less agreeable person who is less able to make meaningful connections with others.

“Will any one of you, who has a servant ploughing or keeping sheep, say to him when he has come in from the field, 'Come at once and sit down at table? Will he not rather say to him, 'Prepare supper for me, and gird yourself and serve me, till I eat and drink; and afterward you shall eat and drink? Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded? So you also, when you have done all that is commanded you, say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty'.” (Luke 17:7-10).

I have been reflecting on that passage of Scripture.  You see, God is asking us to do our duty.  He is saying that we have a responsibility to take action where the action is right.  He is asking me to do as I am told because that is the TRUTH and the right outcome to take.  When I help others, I become more helpful and compassionate.  This added compassion makes me more able to handle the demands of my faith in this world.  I can commit more fully to God because I am tested more fully by Him.  He has “stretched” me through those actions – so to speak!

And I have been thinking about those actions and that stretch today.  For it seems that it is really important to do what is right, rather than what is fun.  And it seems to me today that doing such a thing will keep me in God’s Holy Hands…

For with prayer, I stand on Holy Ground where everything is clear. Here. At the Foot of the Cross.