A Habit of Doing Right

Faithfulness is not gained in a day but is achieved by right decisions day by day.

There once was a little village named Le Chambon in France, a town whose people, unlike others in France, hid their Jews from the Nazis. An author was writing a story on the town and visited it, wondering what sort of courageous, ethical heroes could risk all to do such extraordinary good. He interviewed people in the village and was overwhelmed by the ordinariness. They weren't heroes or smart, discerning people. The author decided that the one factor that united them was their attendance, Sunday after Sunday, at their little church, where they heard the sermons of Pastor Trochme. Over time, they became by habit people who just knew what to do and did it. When it came time for them to be courageous, the day the Nazis came to town, they quietly did what was right. One old woman, who faked a heart attack when the Nazis came to search her house, later said, ‘Pastor always taught us that there comes a time in every life when a person is asked to do something for Jesus. When our time came, we knew what to do.’”

What gave these people the courage to do what was right in the face of punishment and death? They had developed a habit of daily being faithful to God and that faithfulness continued even during difficult times.

Have you ever wondered how great men and women of the faith could face persecution with confident resolve? Strength in the face of persecution is born through daily faithfulness to God. Day by day, these Christians walked with God and served Him.

The same can be said about Joseph, as seen in today’s verses. When tempted with immorality, Joseph had the courage to disregard the temptation and continue serving God. As Genesis 39:10 says, “And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her.” This wasn’t a one-time temptation but took place day after day.

As a Christian living in such a sinful world, you will be tempted and face some form of persecution. It may not be persecution to the extent of death like the martyrs of old, but you may face a temptation like Joseph. The way you can ignore the temptation and gain victory over it is by being faithful starting today.

Faithfulness is not gained in a day but is achieved by right decisions day by day. Choose to listen to godly music today. Choose to read your Bible and pray. Choose to think about what is right. Choose to do right even when everyone else is doing wrong. Each right choice you make is a stepping stone to faithfulness. Make right decisions in the small things today so that when larger temptations come, you will be able to do what is right and remain faithful.

Source: DITW, February 3, 2009