Do the Right Thing

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

“Let us not get tired of doing what is right, for after a while we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t get discouraged and give up.”
— Galatians 6:9 [TLB]

Perseverance in Doing Good

One of the best pieces of advice my parents ever gave me was to always “Do the right thing.” They often reminded me, “If you do the right thing, God will always reward you.” I remember a moment in high school when I was tempted to cheat on a science exam. The easy route would have been to copy someone else’s answers. But my parents’ words echoed in my mind, and I chose honesty—even though it meant more effort and carried some risk. I did the right thing and, to my delight, passed the exam with a grade of 94. That moment became a turning point. It showed me that integrity isn’t just about one test—it’s a lifelong commitment that shapes every decision.

As someone who strives to live according to my faith, and as God’s chosen servant, I see each challenge as an opportunity to honor my values and trust in God’s guidance. Choosing what is right is rarely as easy as choosing what is wrong. It takes extra energy, courage, and self-discipline. Yet, making the right choice, even when it’s tough, leads to lasting self-respect and builds trust with others—making those difficult moments truly meaningful.

Over time, I found that consistently choosing integrity became a guiding principle throughout many areas of my life. Whether it was returning extra change at a store, standing up for someone being treated unfairly, or admitting a mistake at work, each experience reminded me that doing the right thing—even when no one else is watching—provides an inner confidence that can’t be shaken. These moments aren’t just isolated events. They are daily opportunities to live out my faith, honor God, and encourage others to do the same.

Everyday Choices and Lasting Impact of Integrity

After edging the lawn or spending time in the garden, I usually head inside for a cool drink. Before opening the refrigerator, I wash my hands at the kitchen sink, since it’s the closest—though my wife prefers I use another spot. Sometimes I forget, or I don’t feel like walking to the bathroom. In those moments, I hear my mother’s voice: “Do the right thing.” This reminds me that even simple choices can be opportunities to practice integrity.

Just as choosing to follow my wife’s rules at home reflects my commitment to integrity, so too does our daily decision to do good reflect our faith and values. The right thing to do is to honor the house rules—or, more accurately, my wife’s rules. I no longer stop at the kitchen sink to wash up because integrity won’t allow it. Similarly, in our spiritual lives, every small act of doing good shapes our character and influences how others see us. The respect I earned from friends, teachers, and colleagues didn’t come from perfection, but from being dependable and trustworthy—qualities built by consistently choosing to do the right thing.

Galatians 6:9 encourages us to never tire of doing the right thing, even when it is difficult or feels inconvenient. Similarly, perseverance in doing good—both at home and in our faith—leads to a bountiful harvest and blessings when we don’t give up. So, let us not grow weary in doing good. When the time is right, in the right season, we will experience God’s blessing for our efforts.

Today, dear Lord, I declare that I will not grow tired of doing the right thing. Even when no one is watching, I will be mindful to display integrity, as integrity glorifies You.