There is a mixed message (one of many) between the Old Testament and the New with respect to “doing what is right.” But the root of the messages point in the same direction; the desired result is not achieved.

Prov 30:12 There is a generation that is pure in its own eyes, Yet is not washed from its filthiness.

Judg 17:6 In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.

But then there was King Jotham and Micah..

2 Chron 27:2 And he did what was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his father Uzziah had done… 

Mic 6:8 He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God? 

Don’t we struggle on the fence between the two… seeing through our eyes or through God’s eyes? And yet we know exactly which side of the fence we belong on. Our motivation for the decisions we make in life are far too often based on our own self-interest, even though we know that God is the true arbiter of what is right or wrong. And that leaves us, as Jesus’ bride, with but one true option; bring every decision to be made before Him. He has clearly shown us this in His word…

Rom 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Which points us to the direct opposite action…

Rom 8:29 For whom He foresees, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.

It is in that process (by faith looking through God’s eyes) that we are able to make decisions in this life that are in concert with God’s plan and perfect will for our life. It is only when our total dependence is upon God that we begin to make a difference in this world. And what a contrast that is from what drives this world.

Psychologists tell us that the difference between success and failure is not so much caused by intelligence, personality, or appearance, but rather by motivation. There are many who are successful in terms of natural abilities and who have used those abilities to become financially successful in this world, but never really amount to anything outside themselves. Yet some without those abilities go on to become very successful… why? The answer is motivation.

What is motivating you? Is it your own self-centered desires or is it Jesus? The choice has significant consequences both here and now and in eternity to come.

I am reminded of the miracle of Jesus feeding the 5,000 with a couple of dried fish and five barley loaves. And, mind you, those fish the boy’s mother but in his lunch were nothing more than sardines. And yet Jesus multiplied them 1,000 times over. It is a perfect example of what He can do with our limited resources if we will see the challenges in front of us through His eyes. He will use what we have to a degree far beyond anything we could expect or imagine because He loves us and is calling us to have the courage to let His Spirit bring us to all we were created to be. Only as we accept ourselves according to His will and allow Him to guide our every decision can we become the real person He sees in us – His image – that He wants the world around us to see in us.

Maybe it all boils down to just being the “dead fish” in His hands that He uses to challenge, love, exhort and bless those around us… saved and unsaved alike. What’s in your basket and who is using it?