Asking
Only logged in members can reply and interact with the post.
Join SimilarWorlds for FREE »

How do you know you’re doing the right thing? Can something feel completely wrong and still be the right thing to do?

ObscuredAxioms · 41-45, M
(Rom.2:15) tells us that we have the law written on our hearts. (Heb.12:6) says God will chastise (i.e. "disciplines") whom He loves as a FATHER to a son; this being the born-again believer in Christ (Jn.3:1-15).

It could be that if your sinning much and feel absolutely nothing, i.e., guilt or conviction, then salvation could be questionable; not saying you personally but in general. Sometimes the discipline can come in the form of sickness (1 Cor.11:30).

There are many examples of personal chastening in the Bible, as well, even upon those in whom the Lord most delighted—Moses (Num.27:12), David (1 Chr.28:3), and Solomon (1 Kn.11:11), to name a few.

God desires our obedience and it's something we show to Him if we love Him (1 Sam.15:22/ Ecc.12:13/ Jn.14:15).

(Jam.1:13-15) "When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death."

Hope this helps, friend.

Also...don't go by "gut-feelings" because feelings and emotions lie. They are up and down (unreliable guides).
Carazaa · F
Yes God tells us to NOT lean on our own understanding but in everything acknowledge him and he will direct our path
saintsong · 41-45, F
Everyone does whats right in they're own eyes to their own demise! Trust in God and lean not on your own understanding. My people are destroyed due to a lack of knowledge. Read the book of the Song of Solomon, in the Bible it's about illegal Idolatry which everything feels right, all of the green lights are go, but it ends in spiritual death or sheol. Also read the book of Hosea it paints a clearer picture of the consequences.
SW-User
How do we ever know what is the "right thing"?

Relevant to this are the words of Meister Eckhart (13th century) who spoke of true obedience:-

In true obedience there should be no ‘I want this or that to happen’ or ‘I want this or that thing’ but only a pure going out of what is our own. And therefore in the very best kind of prayer that we can pray there should be no ‘give me this particular virtue or way of devotion’ or ‘yes, Lord, give me yourself or eternal life’, but rather ‘Lord, give me only what you will and do, Lord, only what you will and in the way that you will’. This kind of prayer is as far above the former as heaven is above earth. And when we have prayed in this way, then we have prayed well, having gone out of ourselves and entered God in true obedience. But just as true obedience should have no ‘I want this’, neither should it ever hear ‘I don’t want’, for ‘I don’t want’ is pure poison for all true obedience.


Though obviously, as a Christian, he spoke in theistic language, his words - with little adjustment - are illuminating for anyone seeking "truth". To be truth.

A Dharma brother.
Umile · 41-45, F
Choosing the lesser evil?

Getting rid of one so you won't have to break the whole.

Hard love.

You never KNOW know if you're doing the right thing. I just go by feel.

Maybe. It's possible.
4meAndyou · F
If you have given the matter a great deal of thought, and your gut FEELS that it is right, AND you've considered all the possible consequences, and none of the possible consequences are wrong, then you are doing the right thing.

If it FEELS wrong, it probably is.
SW-User
More often than not the opposite can be true - someone can feel that they are doing something absolutely right, as God's will, when in fact they are in the wrong.
ravenwind43 · 51-55, F
One of the great mysteries of life. Doing the right thing often feels lousy. You struggle against what you want and your ethical boundaries.
One feels light as feather, then.

Yes, while leading a mortal life, sentients have to compromise at many stages coz peace is essential and Not being right.
Convivial · 26-30, F
In reality it can be difficult to really know... Who knows what ripples your actions make and where they end up?
Only time will tell
Queendragonfly · 31-35, F
The right thing morally speaking or the right thing identity / integrity wise?

 
Post Comment