Do the right thing for the right reasons

Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men. 1 Peter 2:13-15

I've had several thoughts on my heart this past week. One is about doing what is right. I was driving down a country road and thinking about speeding - not that I was contemplating the act of it, just the concept in general. I checked to make sure I was under the speed limit and then asked why I cared at that moment. I typically do not have any qualms about going a bit over the limit. I like to drive fast.

Then I saw a sign listing the fines and consequences for speeding in a construction zone: $7000 plus 15 years (max) for killing a worker in a construction zone. I realize that the sign is in place to warn drivers of the consequences of breaking the speed limit law. But I can't help but wonder how many obey the law because they are afraid to get caught and how many obey because it is what is right?

Our Father is Concerned...

...with our wants. But where's the line between our desirable wants/needs and the out-of-control wants?

When do we stop asking for what we want and start asking for His will?

Here's the thing - I want a lot of things. Not like fancy cars and houses, a gazillion wardrobes, and a private jet. Nothing like that. I want my life to get on with it already. I finished college later than most do, I don't have my "career job" yet, I don't have a fully-funded emergency fund. Don't worry, this isn't a sob-story. But you get an idea of what my "wants" are.

Recently I was informed of the perfect job - I was qualified, interested, and they wanted me. A few weeks after the interview, I received the "we found someone else" email. I prayed and prayed for this job - I wanted it. But did I ever stop to consider asking for it according to His will? Yes, I did. Right after the interview, I prayed again. "Please, Lord, press it on their hearts to choose me." And then I stopped to think. And then I prayed, "Father, I really want this. I want You to want this for me too. I know that what concerns me concerns you, Lord. Please, is this what You want for me?"