Do The Right Thing
James 4:17 reads: *Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do, and does not do it, to him it is sin.*
How many times do we fail to do what we know is the right thing to do? We are so busy to help someone who needs our help. James 2:15-16 reads: *If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, *go in peace, be warmed and be filled* and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that?* This is a fair question.
We look around and find that many people need help; in fact we may be the ones who need help. But still, if we have ability and the opportunity is there, we possess a responsibility to act. This responsibility is placed upon us by God.
God has a way to protect His children, and this is one way that God does this. God uses others who have the ability and willingness to see to some of these needs. By this method of charity, many prayers are answered. But how often have you neglected to show charity to someone else? Can you even imagine doing something charitable for people you do not know at all?
Can you imagine hearing someone who is out in the water calling for help? What would we think of the person who ignores those pleas? If there was an auto accident and one of the cars started to burn, would you try to help a person who was about to die, or would you ignore their cry? Sometimes people in trouble do not know their condition or what is coming, and they need to be warned. Are you willing to warn them, or just let them go and die. The courts call that depraved indifference.
We have souls all around us that are on the pathway to hell and in line for an eternity of suffering. Should we not be trying to warn them of the horrible direction they are going? When we remain silent, are we no different than the person who ignores the pleas of the drowing victim?
Also remember that you will be judged by how you treat your fellow man. Take the time to read Matthew 25:31-46 about the great judgment scene. See how Jesus judges people by them doing the right thing for others or not doing the right thing. Both actions have consequences. We do the right thing for others, and we will receive our eternal reward in Heaven. But, if we do not do the right thing, we will lose our place reserved for us in Heaven.
Here is something else that is the right thing to do. Matthew 7:21 reads *Not everyone who says to Me, *Lord, Lord* shall enter the kingdom of Heaven, but he that does the will of My Father which is in Heaven*. This requires obedience to the word of God and all His teachings found in the Bible. It is our job to encourage people to obey so that they can be saved. If someone chooses not to obey God, their blood will be upon their own head. We have done our duty.
The only reason a person will not do the right thing, is because they are selfish and do not care about anyone but themselves. You would think with such thinking that they would want to avoid hell. But somehow that does not scare them enough to do what is right.
Can we help you learn to do the right thing? Can you come encourage us to do the right thing? Please stop thinking about doing what is right and start doing what is right. Your soul is at stake here and your eternal destiny hangs on the result of your actions.
We know that God is not willing that any perish (2 Peter 3:9). You must believe that Jesus is the Son of God and died on the cross for your sins. (Acts 8:37). You must repent of your sins (Luke 13:3), you must confess Jesus as Lord (Matthew 10:32) and you must be baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16). Then you must remain faithful and continue learning how to serve God(2 Peter 3:18). Let us help you on your spiritual journey. May God bless you in your study of His word.
By Carey Scott via the Ranger Times 7/3/2011

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