Our Daily BreadSample

What's Right?

- Julie Ackerman Link

When my computer greeted me one morning with what is omi- nously referred to as “the blue screen of death,” I knew it was broken, but I didn’t know how to fix it. I read a lit- tle, tried a few things, but finally had to call an expert for help. Knowing that something was wrong was only a small part of the problem; I couldn’t fix it because I didn’t know the right thing to do.

The ordeal reminded me of the many pundits who appear on television news programs. All of them are “experts” at proclaiming what’s wrong, but most are clueless as to what is right.

This happens in relationships as well. In families, churches, and workplaces, nothing gets fixed because we get fixated on what’s wrong. It doesn’t take an expert to know that something is wrong when people quarrel and hurt each other with unkind words and behavior. But it does take an expert to know how to fix the problem.

God revealed to Israel’s prophets not only what was wrong but also what was right: “Cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, rebuke the oppressor; defend the fatherless, plead for the widow” (Isa. 1:16-17). Instead of focusing on what is wrong, let’s obey the One who knows what is right.

Lord, grant me grace throughout this day
To walk the straight and narrow way,
To do whatever in Thy sight
Is good and perfect, just and right.
—Huisman

Like a compass, the Bible always points you in the right direction.