The result of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quiet confidence forever.
ISAIAH 32:17 (CSB)

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Doing the right thing the right way for the right reason in the right timing almost always leads to the right result. What does the right result look and feel like? God says through Isaiah that it looks and feels like peace, righteousness, and quiet confidence forever. 

Take two minutes or so and read this whole chapter. Notice the contrast between the two kinds of lifestyles. There are those who are noble (verse 8) and righteous, and there are those who are scoundrels and complacent. Consider this question: Of which of these two kinds of people do we want more? (This awkward sentence is so written as not to end with a preposition.)

“(A) noble person plans noble things; he stands up for noble causes,” (verse 8). 

How do we get more righteousness, peace, quiet confidence, and noble people doing noble things? The best way to get more of these is by becoming more of these. We lead the way toward what we want more of or less of by modeling it for others. We become the positive alternative to Angry Facebook Guy and Ranting Twitter Gal. 

Let’s run an experiment today. Commit to doing the right thing the right way for the right reason in the right timing all day today. Make noble plans. Stand up for noble causes. Let’s see how this day goes. It will probably go well. Make any necessary course corrections tonight. Do it again tomorrow. 

Sooner than you think, but perhaps not as soon as you like, positive change will come. Some people will resist. Most will welcome the positive alternative. People are a lot like moths. They are drawn to light. Before we mix metaphors any further, live righteously and nobly today.

Leo Tolstoy said, “Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.” We will start with us and create a worldwide pandemic of righteousness and nobility. How’s that for an ambitious start to the weekend?

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I will live in quiet confidence.

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Our Father, mold me and shape me and make me a noble, righteous man. Use me to demonstrate the positive alternative to the biting, devouring, arrogant behavior of our day. Amen.