Doing the right thing is always the right thing to do. Not because I say so. Not because my parents and grandparents said so. Not because your parents or grandparents said so. Doing the right thing is always the right thing to do because God says so. He doesn't suggest it. He doesn't beat around the bush about it. He doesn't even put it in the fashion of 'do me a solid and....'. Nope, God tells us to. Don't worry, though. He doesn't leave us to figure it out on our own. He tells us what these 'right things' are.
Some of these 'right things' are summed up in the Ten Commandments. There are also several sections of the Law of Moses that spell out for us what sin is and isn't. Later, Jesus reiterates the Ten Commandments and these same old Law principles and teaching during his ministry. This is all recorded in the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) in the Bible's New Testament. The rest of the New Testament books also spell out for us what is and isn't sin, how to respond to it, and how to choose God's way (the right way) over sin.
Okay, no biggie, right?
It should be a 'no biggie' but it's not. It's not, because people (you, me, and everyone else) have a not-so-funny way of making it harder than it needs to be. We second-guess ourselves. We worry about offending someone, yet don't give a thought about offending God. We let people marginalize our beliefs and values because popular opinion doesn't agree. FYI: Satan is the one running the 'popular opinion' polls, so it's no wonder they don't coincide with God's values and truth.
There's also the problem of thinking that doing the right thing guarantees an easy path. One with little to no resistance, and certainly no ridicule, prejudice, or (gasp!) danger. So, when that isn't what happens--when we get made fun of, lose a friend, get passed over for a position or whatever else we're bucking for, and when people argue with us or treat us like freaks or haters, we...
We cave. Too often we cave. Or if we don't cave, which usually means some level of conforming, we hide. We retreat in fear, embarrassment, and frustration. Why didn't God make them stop treating us like that? Why would God let that happen when all you were trying to do was share his message?
Not getting the results we thought we would (which you need to ask yourself why you thought you would be better received that Jesus himself) often puts us on the path to thinking that all we need to do to be effective Christians Soldiers is pray. They won't listen, but we can pray for them. We can't speak up without getting made fun of, but we can pray. We can't say anything to our neighbors, coworkers, or whomever because they'll think we're weird or some kind of holy roller, but we can pray, because after all, praying is effective. And safe. And private, i.e., something no one has to know about.
Now hear me loud and clear. I am NOT...I am NOT saying prayer isn't necessary, good, powerful, or effective. Nor am I saying it shouldn't be a vital part of our Christian life and witness. But prayer isn't where doing the right thing stops. It wasn't where it stopped for Jesus, which means it isn't where it stops for me. For you. For anyone and everyone who calls themself a member of God's family.
Doing the right thing means speaking out. Standing up. Living boldly by the truth of God's Word. Knowing that there are risks, but that the risks are nothing compared to the rewards. It means trusting God to always be in front, beside, and behind you. Remembering that this world isn't our home and that, like the old hymn says, "It will be worth it all when we see Jesus. Life's trials will seem so small when we see Christ...."
Be salt and light,
Darla
Who am I?
I’m Darla Noble—Author, Speaker, and Ghostwriter with over thirty years of experience. I am known for being a great storyteller, but not merely for the sake of telling a story. The stories I tell are a) true and b) they always have a takeaway, i.e., a life lesson meant to help you be a better version of yourself.
I’m Darla Noble—wife, mom, nanna, and a little ‘oldish’ lady who loves Jesus, her family, playing in the dirt, walking…walking…and more walking, riding bikes, eating popcorn, roast beef, Mexican food, reading, and watching old sitcoms.
What do I write?
Inspirational nonfiction—Christian devotionals, books that spark the creativity in every mom and nanna’s heart, and one that breathes new life into the art of being a good neighbor and reminds you of why it matters.
Historical nonfiction—WWII and family memoirs.
Character Education & Family Fun—Books that use science and scripture to teach positive character, scavenger hunts of all kinds that are both educational and FUN, and write-in journals for tweens and teens.
What do I say and who do I say it to?
*WWII hands-on display and presentation based on “All My Love, George…Letters from a WWII Hero”. The presentation consists of brief reading from the book, an interactive time of Q&A, and time for participants to view and examine a variety of WWII memorabilia including George’s original letters and medals.
*Keepsake In The Making Classes, using the book, “Please Pass the Memories” as inspiration, the class consists of exploring and brainstorming fun, creative, and interesting ways we can use your family’s keepsakes, recipes, photos, stories, and even traditions (YIKES) to bring past, present, and future generations of your family together. Everyone needs and wants to have a sense of who and where they come from, and the Keepsake In The Making Class is the perfect way to do just that!
*Women’s ministry events/conferences/retreats. I offer several programs that are easily adaptable to fit your needs and timeframe. Workshops for each one are optional. Programs offered include: “Jesus and Zinnias Make Me Smile”, “Deuteronomy 6 Parenting”, “Please Pass the Memories:, “Love, Momma D; Getting to the Heart of Parenting From the Heart”, and “Sippin’ Tea With Jesus”. NOTE: I am also happy to speak on a topic/subject matter of your choosing.
*The Nanna Subscription—an easy, but oh, so fun mini-class which equips Nanna, Gma, Granny, Mama, Mimi, or whatever name your grandkids have for you, with EVERYTHING you need to engage and connect with your grandkids on a regular basis. No matter how young or old they are, no matter how many miles separate you, no matter how many grandkids you have, no matter…anything!
*Brighten the Corner Where You Are” is my newest book as well as the focus of an event I offer to individuals, community chambers of commerce, neighborhood organizations, HOAs (Home Owner Association), church groups, and anyone else interested in reviving the art of being a genuine friend and neighbor. Participants will discover (or rediscover) the value of kindness among neighbors, and of having a small circle of people you can count on and who can count on you…no matter what.
*Fun with science and a few illusions, “The Sneaky Banana Lesson (plus 26 more)” is a character education program for ages 5 to 15. This event is engaging, interactive, and overflows with life lessons young people relate to and that will make them want to be a little better and stand a little taller.
*If you don’t think it’s possible to have fun teaching math, science, verbal skills, ordering, rational thinking, and grammar, social skills, and team building, think again! “The Medium-Sized Book of Scavenger Hunts” event gets kids up and about, inside and out, talking and listening, and learning on the sly. This event is fun for classrooms, parties, family events, social gathers, team building, and lots more.
Fees for events vary. For more information, questions, or to book an event, CONTACT ME at dnoblewrites@yahoo.com, on Linkedin (Darla Noble), or on Facebook (Darla Noble).
Where can you find me?
My books are available worldwide via Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or directly from me when you email me at dnoblewrites@yahoo.com. You can also request any title from your favorite brick and mortar bookstore.