Prayer To Do The Next Right Thing

 GETTING IT RIGHT IN THE END

In life there often seems to be two groups of people, those who speak well and look good and those who always seem to get things wrong.  For many of us we often feel we most often fit into the second group.  Jesus offers hope for us today in a story he told some people who thought they were better than everyone else.

Jesus said:  “A man had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’ “ ‘I will not,’ the son answered. But later he changed his mind and went. “Then the father went to the other son. He said the same thing. The son answered, ‘I will, sir.’ But he did not go. “Which of the two sons did what his father wanted?” “The first,” they answered. Matthew 21:28-31

One of the ongoing challenges of daily living is simply operating with humility and integrity every day.  We don't always get things right the first time.  Taking new steps and doing the hard work growing and maturing as followers of Jesus is just that – hard work – especially for those of us who have a history of addictive and destructive lifestyles.  Jesus' story shows us how to get back on track when we stumble.

If we try to live as approval seekers, we might too easily give our word to do what is required but not do the promised work.  Others of us show our self-will by reacting negatively when we are challenged to do something and refuse to do it.  Whatever our initial response, what really matters is what we do next.

Those who simply try to look good without following through will not find the good life they seek.  The son who didn't look so good in the beginning is actually the one Jesus puts forward as the positive example.  We may not get it right in the beginning but if we persevere and admit our defects of character, become willing to have God remove them, and then humbly walk in a new way, we will live in the joy and dignity of God's approval. 

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, Please give us the courage to admit when we don’t do the right thing and help us take the steps necessary to move back into Your will for our life. 

Help us to live with honesty and humility.  We don’t want to just look good but to have our motives and all the hidden things in our lives reflect Your goodness.  We can’t get it right without Your Holy Spirit guiding us and empowering us today.  So, please help us to not just talk the talk but to walk the walk in this next 24 hours.  Amen