Living life isn’t easy, but understanding what’s right and wrong is straightforward.
The truth is, if we’re honest with ourselves, even our best intentions are often stained with selfishness. It’s just part of who we are—self-centered and sinful by nature.
We naturally look out for ourselves and prioritize our own interests. But deep down, we already know what’s right and how we ought to live—it’s built into us.
King Solomon once shared these wise words:
“Don’t ever forget my words; keep them always in mind. They are the key to life for those who find them; they bring health to the whole body. Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life. Keep your eyes focused on what is right, and look straight ahead to what is good. Be careful what you do, and always do what is right.” (Proverbs 4:21-23, 25-26 NCV)
As King Solomon said, living life right even supports healing to our body. The writer of Exodus added:
“You must obey the Lord your God and do what he says is right. If you obey all his commands and keep his rules, I will not bring on you any of the sicknesses I brought on the Egyptians. I am the Lord who heals you.” (Exodus 15:26 NCV)
There’s something restorative and life-giving about following God’s ways - when we focus on what is good, not only our hearts and minds but even our bodies can experience peace and healing. We even sleep better.
At the end of the day, the way we think shapes everything we do.
Our actions flow from our thoughts and our hearts, and even our words reveal what’s inside us.
If you want to understand what’s truly in your heart, pay attention to the words that come out of your mouth. Jesus put it this way:
“What people say with their mouths comes from the way they think; these are the things that make people unclean. Out of the mind come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual sins, stealing, lying, and speaking evil of others.” (Matthew 15:18-20 NCV)
So, how do we live life the way we’re meant to?
Jesus answered this clearly:
“The most important command is this: ‘The Lord our God is the only Lord. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second command is this: ‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself.’ There are no commands more important than these.” (Mark 12:29-31 NCV)
Maybe it’s time to stop, pause, and evaluate.
What kind of words are you speaking? If you have nothing to hide, you hide nothing. Is there someone you haven’t forgiven? God forgives us, and forgiven people forgive others. Do we really love God? Do we talk to Him, read about Him, and worship Him? Do we truly love those in need? Are we praying for those who are struggling?
Living life really is simple, but our selfishness so often dampens the fire that should burn hot in our hearts.
Our ultimate goal should be this: every thought, feeling, and action should reflect our love for God and demonstrate a genuine love for others—the same way we naturally love ourselves.
LORD, help us live lives that truly reflect love for You and love for others. In Jesus’ name, amen. ♥️
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