DOING IT RIGHT

Doing it right

God never tells how I should go   But be alert to each day’s flow   Express obedience to demands   Of circumstance, what it commands

Lots of things in life we tend to get right and the importance of that must not be underestimated. Being aware that it is pleasing to the Lord lifts the soul. Perfection is not expected.

Transcript

Doing it Right

Hello, it’s Michael. Shalom to you! There are keys to good living. Let’s have a look. 

I was reading Thomas Merton on the monastic life. He commented that the two key qualities of a monk are humility and obedience. Now, I’m not a monk and have no desire to become one. The common life has challenges enough, possibly more so. Still, Merton is right in that humility and obedience can significantly enhance personhood. Though the idea itself grates a bit. 

Who wouldn’t like to do their own thing? Surely, I would. And yet, we are kind of obedient in many ways, every day. Like driving on the correct side of the road. Arriving in time to join in a game of sport. Responding well to the bedside alarm clock in the morning. Many situations each day demand my compliance so that responsibilities are well addressed. All the same, I do have a mind of my own and will use it. In many ways, I live life my way. 

I have wondered about obedience to God. What is that all about? It’s not as if God orders me around every day. Seldom do I get a clear directive. Usually, I just sense what would be the right response in situations. In a monastic setting it is the Abbot who instils discipline. In the common life those edicts are missing.

 A little poem

God never tells how I should go

But be alert to each day’s flow

Express obedience to demands

Of circumstance, what it commands

I feel a bit schoolmasterly in writing about obedience, but let’s proceed. It’s not so bad. 

A question came to mind. ‘Lord, how have I been obedient to you all these years?’ I realised that in fact I had been quite obedient without ever taking note of it. It concerns my behaviour, how I have addressed my circumstances. Have I expressed care and understanding towards people, or did I barge along? Have I stopped and asked the Lord for insight when needed? 

The principles of life I aspire to involve obedience to the Lord without me ever making it a focus. Also, because I consider those principles good for psycho-spiritual health, they never become a burden. It is best summed up as good, decent living. There is nothing spiritual about it. 

A word closely related to obedience is discipline, suggesting the idea of doing as required. The word discipline has a wider meaning as well, like a field of study. Or, in following someone’s example you may become a disciple. The kind of submission then demanded depends on the leader. With Jesus it is easy him not being a disciplinarian. Quite the opposite. ‘I am humble and lowly in heart,’ the Lord said. 

Thomas Merton was in a controlled environment with many monks living together. It needed rules and regulations. I live in a country with a rule of law that requires my compliance. More generally, I answer to the law of good and evil which is fundamental to personhood. A law deriving from the Lord who won’t police it. Rather, he is a helper in getting it right. 

In making the best of decent living, my obedience to the Lord is shown. Nothing exceptional. I will make mistakes and get on with it. I have my successes and take pleasure from it. Overall, there are fine benefits to be gained from this kind of life. Not least in that my soul will flourish. My obedience before God is found in becoming a caring person, who seeks to do right. Most likely, that sums up you as well. Kindness goes a long way and pleases the Lord. Take heart and try to enjoy every day.

Keep it simple, keep it focused. I wish you well!

***

Always look on the Light side of life and call on the Lord.

Download free ebooks via the link adbooks.online

Why not tell a friend?