I believe in doing the right thing. The right thing is not always the popular thing. The right thing is not always an easy thing. But the right thing is always the best thing.

I believe in doing the right thing for three reasons.

1) We reap what we sow. 
Galatians 6:7  “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.⁸ For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.⁹ And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
My mother always said, “What goes around, comes around.” In other words, you get back what you give out. Give out kindness, and you will receive kindness. Give out meanness and you will get meanness back. 
Or, as Earl Hickey says, “Do good things and good things happen. Do bad things and bad things happen.”

2) I am a father. I must set the example for my children.
Ephesians 6:4 – “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”
My life, my standards will set the standard for my daughters. I have met many inmates doing prison ministry. Countless times, I have had men tell me that their father was not a good man. They say that they always swore they would never be like their father, yet they turned out just like him. If my daughters are going to turn out like me, then I need to be the best person I can.
I try to model gentleness, humility and generosity. I try to assume the best about everyone, often to my own loss.

3) I want to glorify my God and Saviour. 
1 Corinthians 6:20 “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
 The words I speak should not dishonor God, or cause Him to be diminished in the eyes of others. My works and ways should never bring reproach upon God, or reduce the respect of others for Him.
I want to be a testimony to the goodness of God by the goodness I share with others.
I want to be merciful to others, that they may seek God’s mercy.
James 2:13 “For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.“

I have not always done what was right. But I have tried to make restitution and reconciliation when and where I can.

I may not always do right, but I do want to admit when I have done wrong. I want to right wrongs whenever I can. I want my daughters to see a father that lives for God, that lives as God would have him live. I want to glorify my Father in heaven and lead others to him.

Dennis Regling can be contacted at www.bibledefender.com