What do you do when you don’t know what to do?
Why, you do the next right thing, of course!
What do you do when there seems no way out? What do you do when God’s will is not clear? What do you do when your heart is racing out of your chest?
There is only one thing to do, and that is the next right thing!
What is “the next right thing” among the thousands of options that are staring at you through the maze of confusion?
- The “next right thing” is to be kind.
- The “next right thing” is to tell the truth and to choose to be a person of integrity.
- The “next right thing” is often found in the decision to listen and to endeavor to understand rather than to promote, to defend or to pontificate.
- The “next right thing” may not solve the immediate problem but it will certainly remind you and those around you of the true value system that heralds the way to a righteous and reasonable solution.
I often feel underprepared in comparison to those with whom I am working; I am often intimidated by those whose lives have intersected with mine. When those feelings of insecurity cloud my ability to function in a healthy manner, I remind myself to do the next right thing.
- I choose to be kind to those by whom I am intimidated.
- I choose to tell the truth to those who are more educated than I am.
- I choose to listen to the wisdom of those who tower over me in experience or in expertise.
Kindness will always disarm one’s critics and oil the squeaky wheels of differences. Truth speaks louder than cash, than compromise or than flattery. Understanding is the stuff of which peaceful solutions are made.
The “next right thing” is not birthed out of political maneuverings, nor does it spring from an attempt to foolishly impress. Rather, it is generated from humility and it is fertilized by unselfish behavior.
The “next right thing” may often initially go unnoticed by those who are the recipients of your courageous choice but as time unfolds, those same people will begin to respect your character and honor your virtue.
Kindness, honesty and understanding may not win awards or stir up accolades but they are the cornerstones of a life well-lived.
The next time you are tempted to impress others with bluster, opinion and importance, perhaps you should choose to quiet your noisy soul and then remember the eternal profit that comes from doing the next right thing.
When in doubt, be kind.
When in doubt, tell the truth.
When in doubt, listen and understand. {eoa}
Carol McLeod is an author and popular speaker at women’s conferences and retreats, where she teaches the Word of God with great joy and enthusiasm. Carol encourages and empowers women with passionate and practical biblical messages mixed with her own special brand of hope and humor. She has written five books, including No More Ordinary, Holy Estrogen!, The Rooms of a Woman’s Heart and Defiant Joy! Her most recent book, Refined: Finding Joy in the Midst of the Fire, was released last August. Her teaching DVD The Rooms of a Woman’s Heart won the Telly Award, a prestigious industry award for excellence in religious programming. You can also listen to Carol’s “A Jolt of Joy” program daily on the Charisma Podcast Network. Connect with Carol or inquire about her speaking to your group at justjoyministries.com.
Curt Landry 
Michael L. Brown 
Rabbi Eric Tokajer