Daily Devotion: Doing What Is Right

Scripture:
Deuteronomy 6

Main Verse:
Deuteronomy 6: 18
Do what is right and good in the Lord’s sight, so that it may go well with you.

Observation:
Do you follow your heart most of the time? Do you follow your instincts because you feel that it will lead you to true happiness? How many times have you heard yourself say, "This is what my heart tells me to do." "This is my life. I can do whatever I want to do with it." "I will do this because this is what my heart dictates me to do." Do you basically do things because it is what your heart desires to do? The Bible cautions us against trusting our heart: The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure (Jeremiah 17: 9). We cannot rely on our heart because it is sick, and as Jeremiah said, it is "beyond cure." Our heart's desire and God's will are two contradicting forces, therefore, our heart is not a trustworthy guide when making decisions.

Application:
The Lord has an amazing promise when we do what is right and acceptable in His sight. Proverbs 3: 5-6 also states the same thing, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart,...and he will make straight your paths." When we follow our heart, we are bound to make mistakes and suffer from heartaches. But when we follow the will of God, we may avoid getting hurt. So rather than listen to your heart, listen to God's voice. Instead of being led by your passion, be led by the Holy Spirit. 

Ephesians 5: 15-17: Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

Prayer:
Father, thank you for reminding me about the importance of doing what is good and right and acceptable in your sight. Forgive me when I do things at the spur of the moment and not ask for your Heavenly will. Teach me to always listen to your voice and be led by the Holy Spirit, so that I may not make mistakes that may cause me pain and heartache. Thank you for your guidance in my life. This I pray, in Jesus' name. AMEN.