Most of us like to pride ourselves for, ‘Doing the right thing’, when we have the opportunity. We like the feeling it gives us knowing that we stepped out of our private world for some small amount of time and did something good for someone else.
It is important we do these things. Making life better for, or helping someone make their life better, in turn makes our life better even though we may not notice any immediate change.
There are differences in how the act of, ‘Doing the right thing’ is carried out. We do not always do the right thing because we want to. Often we have ulterior motives behind our actions.
We occasionally ‘Do the right thing’ because it makes us feel good. Whatever we do is no real hindrance to us, or our time, and we know it will make a difference, so we do it. The feeling of knowing we did something for another is a good feeling and above all else we like to feel good.
Other times we ‘Do the right thing’ because we will feel guilty if we do not. Someone asked of us some help, and we feel guilty because we are thinking of saying no. We do not say no because it is simple request and well within our ability. Doing it keeps us from feeling guilty.
In public with people we know around we ‘Do the right thing’ because we do not want to give the people around us a bad impression. If they observe the need and asking, and we refuse what may they think of us for saying no?
If you have a belief system you are likely to ‘Do the right thing’ because you think there is a reward in doing the right thing in there somewhere. Perhaps it is a test, or maybe it is an angel or God in disguise coming to see if we really are who we appear to be. Possibly we think that doing good works here on earth will add to our benefits due, maybe giving us a little more than the person next to us when we reach heaven or paradise.
While all these reasons have there merits, I propose there can be real reward in saying no, when we are asked to, ‘Do the right thing’ and we do not want to. Maybe we are better off in our private world where we are lone with ourself. Maybe we are on our way to somewhere and we already feel about as good as we can feel, and the distraction of doing the right thing would only darken our otherwise bright and bubbly mood.
It is possible that we need not feel guilty about anything we do not do. Maybe we were asked if we would ‘Do the right thing’, but we choose not to and we do not feel guilty about refusing at all. Even if it is a test of sorts imposed upon us by some immortal being or a directive of one, that should not be reason to stop what we are doing in our own self centered selfish world, and reach out a hand to a stranger in need because we think it is a test of some sort that we must pass.
Even if it were a test, even if our family and friends are watching our reaction, and we think it may make us feel guilty later on, or ‘doing the right thing’ will make the world a better place for a few moments, these are not the better reason for ‘Doing the right thing’.
The better, and the best reason for doing the right thing is this: Do the right thing because you want to, nothing more. Do the right thing whether you think God will reward you or not. Do the right thing because you want to whether or not your family and friends are present to see what you will do. Do the right thing because you want to no matter who you think might be in disguise asking you.
Doing something only because you want to is the highest form of giving. You are ‘Doing the right thing’ not because it will make you feel good. You are ‘Doing the right thing’ not because you will be embarrassed if you do not. You are ‘Doing the right thing’ not because it may be a test of your faith or humanness.
Doing the right thing because you want to is the highest reason to do the right thing. You are not expecting reward, punishment, accolades, or suspect it is a test. You do the right thing because you want to. Doing the right thing because you want to brings real meaning to what you do when you choose to ‘Do the right thing’.
When you ‘Do the right thing’ because you want to, you have freed yourself from those hollow props and supports most of us are prone to using. You have freed yourself from being artificial, shallow, and a handful of other reasons that make ‘Doing the right thing’ something less than the ultimate kindness it is.
When you are out and about and someone asks you for something, think before you act. Find the right reason to ‘Do the right thing’ before you act. Both you and the receiver(s) will feel empowered in the act if the reason is the best reason – Because you want to. Settle for no other reason than ‘You Want To’ the next time you are asked.
