Do Right And Risk the Consequences

One of my favorite radio talk show hosts often ends his show by saying, "Encouraging you to do right, and risk the consequences". I love that line, and think about it often. I know many believers who've risked consequences in choosing to do the right thing. They've risked being made fun of - both by the "world" and by other "believers". They've risked challenging family relationships or friendships, or even losing certain relationships - sometimes for a short while, sometimes permanently. They've risked losing their jobs. They've risked facing innumerable other difficulties and hardships by choosing to do the right thing, rather than the wrong (and often easier) thing.

I also know many believers who will not do that. They would rather wink at sin, or look the other way pretending not to see it, or "sin just a little, for the greater good", or choose the "lesser of two evils" (which is still choosing evil), etc. They are not willing to do right and risk the consequences. They would rather do wrong, and risk those consequences. These believers risk other things, like their witness to unbelievers. They risk being selfish, in order to appear acceptable. They risk relationships, too - the relationships with the very people they "lovingly" refuse to rebuke will only bring more turmoil to both sides as the years go by. They risk their own moral integrity and purity of heart - searing their own consciences so that sin becomes more and more acceptable to them. They risk their children's hearts, minds and souls.

But the Bible tells us that we are to choose to do the right thing. And while we certainly should strive to live peaceably with those around us (Romans 12:18) , we should not sacrifice what is right in order to do so - God desires obedience rather than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22)! We should be encouraged to know that Jesus warned there would be division because of Him:

Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division. For from now on five in one house will be divided: three against two, and two against three. Father will be divided against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law. Luke 12:51-53

Again, not that we should try to cause division, but if and when it happens that people are angered because of a choice to do the right thing, or they forsake the relationship because of a choice to stand for morality rather than acceptance, we can be encouraged that Jesus knew it was an occupational hazard that comes with serving Him and choosing right.

So, please - Do RIGHT and RISK the consequences!