The Next Best Right Thing

Doing “the next best right thing” has been a statement in my recovery that I have repeated and used often.  It’s a statement I would categorize as one of my favorite sayings because it has always helped me to straighten the line, keep my side of the street clean, and release self-condemnation when I make a poor decision or say the wrong thing and don’t know how to fix it, or how to find peace with what has been done.  Doing the next best thing is a statement that carries a deeper meaning and guidance on how to live and be a good person in this world, even when poor choices are made that have a negative impact on our lives. It is a statement that prevents a person from following the wrong path or stepping out of character due to a poor decision or action that leaves them feeling terrible about themselves.   A decision or action that, if given the chance to do it over, would gladly be taken.

The truth is, we are all human, and because of this fact, we are destined to screw up, make a mistake, or make a decision that leads to negative outcomes or is offensive.  Many of us will focus on the mistake, the screw up, or that thing we should not have done or said, and will begin to go down a path of self-condemnation or allow the situation to define us as a whole, lowering our self-confidence and placing doubt in our hearts.  These are not only uncomfortable feelings, but they are also emotions that most of the time lead to more negative feelings and actions if allowed to dictate.  However, recognizing a poor choice or action for what it is and allowing yourself to feel the emotions associated with it is an okay thing to do. It’s an act of taking ownership, which is an important piece of living as a responsible and healthy individual.  But the most important gift that this statement gives us is the message that it’s not always about the mistakes or the decisions you make, but more about what choice you make to do the NEXT BEST RIGHT THING.  This is what matters and defines character at the core of who we authentically are.

I know, without a doubt, that I am going to make poor decisions, sometimes on repeat, and I’ve made plenty in life to date.  We can’t always control the reality of this fact, and we can’t change our human make up.  But to take ownership and do the next best right thing is where my focus will be every time.  This is when I get to right my wrong, make amends, or show myself that I am capable of making good decisions and acting in healthy intention.  If I chose to take the route where I ignored my action, ran away, or pretended it didn’t happen, I would only be met with a downslide of effects that would grow to be bigger and worse than the original offense.  I would be risking how I view myself and risk experiencing a relapse and returning to my old ways.  The moral of the story is summed up simply in the small but mighty saying, “do the next best right thing.” That’s all that matters in the end, anyway.  Believe in the POWER of integrity. It truly makes a difference. The Bible says it like this, “To do justice (what is fair and right) and judgment (weight of act or decision) is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice” Proverbs 21:3.

Simply said, the Lord sees integrity as more acceptable than sacrifice.  Actions that are the next best right thing, more than busy work, or justifying the action.  He wants to know your heart is in a place of redemption and integrity, instead of how you sacrifice, as a way to show your love and honor towards him and towards others.  Integrity = character, which ranks higher in importance to the Lord than works = sacrifice.  It is God's way of saying “DO THE NEXT BEST RIGHT THING.” AMEN!

Happy Integrity to all that you do!