Why I oughta... (with apologies to James Cagney and Bugs Bunny)

There are lots of things I ought to do, and there are lots of things that I ought to be. I ought to be grateful when people do nice things for me, and be graceful when they treat me not so kindly. I ought to be on time. I ought to always keep my word and I ought to do what I say. I ought to comb my hair and brush my teeth every day. My mom tells me I ought to wear clean underwear, and ought to always act the gentleman. Do I?

I ought to love my wife dearly and, remembering those fuzzy vows I mumbled some time ago, I ought to do everything I can to help and provide for her. Even if we did have a short time dating, I ought to have invested serious effort in learning all about her by now! Aside from salvation, I ought to see she's the greatest thing I've ever had in my life, and I ought to see her as my best friend. Do I?

I suppose I ought to spend a lot more time studying scriptures at home. I ought to be using every opportunity to mention God to everyone I can. I ought to use the Internet, opportunities to speak (like Toast Masters), even pen and paper to reach people who are lost. I ought to pray more for others than myself, especially if I have ought against any (Mark 11:25). I ought to be memorizing scriptures and concepts, so I have that ready answer we often pray about. I ought to pray several times a day every day. Do I?

I really ought to lay my troubles at the feet of Jesus. I ought to remember he will do his part if I will do mine. I ought to have confidence his eye is on the sparrow, and not fret. I ought always to pray, and not to faint (Luke 18:1) even when finances head south, when sickness strikes, when things seem out of control. I ought to become stronger at such times, and in times of persecution. As much as it flies in the face of worldly common sense, I really ought to. I ought to just get over things that happen sometimes. Do I?

I ought to look for ways to serve others. I ought to be quick to forgive others. I ought to have noticed when sister X missed services. I ought to cherish everyone here and think of them, truly, as family. Wouldn't I notice if my dear brother was missing? I ought to. I ought to care for the feelings of others, to their comfort and growth. I ought to use kind, patient words with those who I disagree with. I ought to win arguments, if arguments need be, with knowledge immersed and soaking in love, compassion, and empathy. I ought to think before I speak, ought to consider before I act, ought to behave as if Christ were right there in the room. I ought to remember that he is! Do I?

I ought to focus on the spiritual side of things. I ought to be able to go to a funeral and rejoice if the person was faithful unto death and is now in Abraham's bosom. I ought to remember the good people did, and ought to throw accusations and gripes out of my head as if they never were. I ought to see the good in people, and I ought to view them as valuable as God does no matter what cover the book has. Do I?

I ought to live without fear, I ought to enjoy the sunshine, and I ought to rejoice evermore. I ought to see the good in every day, I ought to make it my passion to DO good every day, and I ought to worry about one day at a time. I ought to laugh a lot more than I cry, and I ought to spend more time with others than alone. I ought to never be afraid to call on God to help me, and I ought to never be ashamed of being a Christian. I ought to radiate confidence, service, happiness, and love for others at all times. Do I?

If I'm not a Christian, I ought to become one today. Will you?

Randy