Reminders: What Would You Do?
by Ardith Hoff
If you saw someone back into someone else's unoccupied car in a parking lot, and cause a big dent or a broken headlight, and then just drive away, would you take the time and effort to leave a note on the windshield giving the license plate number of the hit-and-run driver? Or would you just tell yourself that you do not want to get involved? There are times when we think it is just too much trouble, or too dangerous, or perhaps just not worth the effort, to do what God expects us to do. Yet we all know that we would want someone to do the right thing for us. Even people who don’t know God know what is right.
On the TV show “What Would You Do?” The producers set up situations in public places where actors portray interactions that pose ethical or moral questions. We watch the people who see what is going on to gage their reactions. Some look on in fascination, but decide not to get involved, while others do not hesitate to step up, to help a young person who is being coaxed to do something wrong or dangerous, to advise them against doing it, or to defend someone who is being bullied or harassed.
When interviewed afterwards, the people who came forward to help often say that they did it, “because it’s the right thing to do.” They obviously felt obligated by their understanding of decency to intervene in the situations they were witnessing. Abiding by social standards comes naturally to most of us who were taught moral and ethical values. But not everyone finds the courage to do the right thing. We fulfill our obligations, like working to support ourselves, because we must. We fulfill our moral and ethical obligations, like being kind and caring, because we know that it is what God requires of us.
“Now we who are strong have an obligation to bear the weaknesses of those without strength, and not to please ourselves. Each of us must please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.” Romans 15:1-2 “Defend the cause of the poor and the fatherless! Vindicate the oppressed and suffering! Rescue the poor and needy! Deliver them from the power of the wicked!” Psalm 82:3-4