We all need some sort of help from time to time. It’s pretty common to hear someone state that he or she will help and do what one can. There are limitations because of physical or mental capacities, though. The first thing that came into my mind concerning doing what we can is that the doing must have God-given standards and values. As a Christian, my guide regarding what is right or wrong is the Bible, the Word of God.
A Few Simple and Easily Understood
Scriptures Regarding Rightness
“Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein” (Jeremiah 6:16 KJV). “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful” (Psalms 1:1). “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts” (Proverbs 21:2). “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them; for this is the law and the prophets” (Matthew 7:12).
Doing what we can must be guarded and guided by that which is right in the sight of God. Sometimes a child of God cannot do what he or she may be asked to do. Let me illustrate this by relating to you what I was asked to do in the twilight of my military service. My last military assignment before retirement was as a Brigade Command Sergeant Major, Mississippi Army National Guard. A Command Sergeant Major slot became open in one of our battalions.
Upon a regular visit to this battalion, I was approached by an old Master Sergeant, whom I knew. This Master Sergeant was ready to retire within a year because of his age, which was nearing 60-years-old. He asked me to “pull strings” to place him in the Battalion CSM slot for retirement purposes. According to regulations, one must serve in this advanced position for six months before he could retire as the Battalion CSM. He was not qualified by any military standard for this position. He stated he just wanted the position for retirement purposes and the additional retirement income he would receive.
I would not give him an answer to this request. I knew it was wrong to use a high and important vacated position for such a purpose. Making a trip to give the old Master Sergeant my decision, I met with my friend. I told him his request was way out of the line, and I could not recommend nor “pull strings” per his request. His face dropped, and he became angry. His reply was, “What have I ever done to you, Fox.” He could not comprehend the predicament and his off base request. So it goes! We must do the right thing. His request was not only badly wrong, but it also was against all regulations. Sadly, he could not see the truth and remained mad at me. So be it!
We all make mistakes and in hindsight, I should have told the old soldier, no, right off, I couldn’t do it. Oh yes, he would have been the same angry man. Don’t we learn from our mistakes?
