Would you rather be right, or would you rather be happy?

Lynn Robinson is given credit for the quote, “Would you rather be right, or would you rather be happy?”

I have heard other forms, but interpret this statement as, “Do you want to be prideful, or would you rather be humble?” So many of us want to be right. We fear being wrong. We fear we will appear as weak, ignorant, or a failure. Some want to be right, no matter what. The truth is, we will be wrong because we are ignorant. We will never know everything about all things. That is something only God is capable of. So, welcome to humility!

Sure, we can know a lot about certain finite things or tasks, but that knowledge is very small in comparison to everything else. Fortunately, God wants us to know so much more and facilitates just some of His knowledge through scripture, the inspired word of God. He teaches us to be humble, and righteous all at the same time. Being humble allows happiness and is something man has preached against. Man says humility is weakness, like being meek. However, being humble is a sign of strength, as is being meek.

God’s righteousness, our behaving right and just outwardly to everyone we interact with, is made possible by His word. Christ Jesus washed the feet of every disciple. Feet washing was considered the lowest form of labor, left for slaves, house attendants, and servants. But the Son of God, Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus, came down to meet us where we are. That is righteous behavior that could be misinterpreted as weakness, when it is the contrary to weakness. Imagine the pleasure Christ Jesus received from the reactions of the disciples. He expected it and received their amazement as a result of this one act of service.

With Christ Jesus, all things are possible. We can be right and we can be happy at the same time. Serving others is one example of that. Can you think of others? How about loving someone where they are, instead of where you think they should be? Or, forgiving that person in your life even after they hurt you so painfully? Being righteous may not be easy, but you can be happy in it and as a result of it.

I will give thanks to You with uprightness of heart, When I learn Your righteous judgments.
Psalm 119:7

For additional details or questions on developing an attitude and practice of humility and service to lead a more balanced, happier and fulfilled life, with more impact, freedom and control, email me at coach@maximizeu.life