When you impact, stimulate, or motivate someone positively, it creates a ripple effect.
What comes to mind when you hear the word righteous?
Do you think it means striving for perfection and never making mistakes? Or do you see it as forsaking the pleasure of living?
Righteousness is not about these things. It is about being in a correct relationship with God and living in a manner that is pleasing to Him. It involves doing what is right (1 John 3:7).
Let's take Abraham as an example, since Abraham serves as a prime example of how righteousness pleases God.
Abraham's trust in God was seen as righteousness. When he believed in God's promises, it was not only considered as righteousness, but he was also referred to as God's friend (Romans 4:3; Galatians 3:6; James 2:23).
When you understand the advantages of righteousness, you will desire it for your own life.
"For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome [not difficult, not oppressive, and not undesirably restrictive]."
— 1 John 5:3 (ESV)
Living righteously is more than just living the right way and goes beyond mere actions. Having this gift and quality not only draws blessing to you attracts and gives you several blessings (Philippians 1:11), but also gives you a life others could only dream of or aspire to have!
Benefits of righteousness
Righteousness brings blessings and favor. Psalm 106:3 states, “Blessed are they who see justice, who always do righteousness.” It grants entry to the Kingdom of Heaven and allows access to all that is within it (Matthew 5:20, 6:33).
You’ll experience ultimate satisfaction and will no longer feel empty inside (Matthew 5:6). You’ll live relaxed and be at peace because you’re fully dependent on God (Romans 1:17).
In order for some of us to see God's promises come to fruition, we need to follow the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just. Geneis 18:19 ESV says, "For I have chosen him, that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing righteousness and justice, so that the Lord may bring to Abraham what he has promised him."
Prayer of a righteous person
When a righteous individual prays, their prayer holds great power and produces positive outcomes (James 5:16). The prayers of the righteous yield incredible results, ensuring success for anything asked with faith. Proverbs 10:24 NIV states that, what the wicked fear will come upon them, but what the righteous long for will be granted.
If you walk in the way of the Lord and live righteously, you, like Moses, can also have God's full attention (1Peter 3:12, Exodus 32:9-14). As stated in Psalm 34:15 ESV, "The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry." When you are considered righteous, your prayers hold great power (James 5:16).
"But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall."
— Malachi 4:2 (ESV)
Having righteousness empowers you to persevere in the current times and enables you to lead a stable life in a chaotic world. According to Proverbs 13:6, righteousness is essential for remaining blameless, as seen in Genesis 6:9 and Proverbs 11:5-6.
"In the path of righteousness is life, and in its pathway, there is no death."
— Proverbs 12:28 (ESV)
Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees - Matthew 5:20
True righteousness goes beyond mere adherence to rules; it also hinges on the condition of one's heart. Similar to the Pharisees, who were perceived as righteous by society, God could see through their outward façade and discern the wickedness within.
The Pharisees, a prominent religious group during the time of Jesus, were highly regarded by the common people for their outward displays of righteousness and piety. They meticulously followed religious laws and traditions, often standing out as examples of moral uprightness in society. However, beneath this facade of righteousness, God saw into their hearts and recognized the true nature of their intentions. Despite their outward appearance of goodness, the Pharisees were often motivated by pride, self-righteousness, and a desire for power and recognition. Their actions were often driven by a desire to maintain their status and authority within the religious community rather than a genuine love for God and others.
God's perspective on the Pharisees serves as a reminder that true righteousness goes beyond mere outward appearances and religious practices. It emphasizes the importance of having a sincere and humble heart, free from hypocrisy and self-serving motives. The example of the Pharisees challenges us to examine our own hearts and motivations, ensuring that our actions are guided by a genuine love for God and others rather than a desire for personal gain or recognition. Ultimately, it is the condition of our hearts that matters most in God's eyes.
Matthew 5:20 ESV says, "For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."
Righteousness leads to a life filled with blessings, favor, and empowerment. Reflecting on the words of Mathew 5:6 which says when you hunger and thirst for righteousness, you’ll be satisfied, we understand that the pursuit of righteousness is not in vain. Striving for righteousness is worthwhile. This guarantee provides hope, as it means that whatever a righteous individual seeks will be provided, permitted, and acknowledged.
A righteous person is grounded and established. They’ll never be replaced, removed, or knocked down in life—enabling them to live life fearlessly.
Proverbs 10:30 TLB says, “The good shall never lose God’s blessings, but the wicked shall lose everything.”
When you strive for righteousness, something starts to happen inside. You will find yourself less inclined to do things you shouldn’t do. Wrong ways or behaviors will start to matter. And the desire to change and do better will become important.
God's essence is righteousness, and it is righteousness that serves as the means of correction for us. Malachi 3:3 NIV illustrates the actions of righteousness (God) in a tangible way. “He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the Lord will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness.”
According to this Scripture, God's purpose is to purify us until we transform into righteous individuals. This purification process removes impurities from our soul, self-awareness, feelings, emotions, longings, and passions. breaks the cycle of unhealthy habits and sin, ultimately leading us to become righteousness individuals.
Then we begin to shine. As we start shining, we become the light of the world, like a city on a hill that cannot be concealed (Matthew 5:14).
In a world full of sin, God wants us to be flawless, pure, and untainted, demonstrating a superior way of living to others through our conduct (Philippians 2:15). Daniel 12:3 ESV says, “And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.”
Having light makes you intelligent, smart, sharp, alert, and enables God’s power to emanate from you with great intensity. Your actions will be brilliant, excellent, and effective.
You will excel in all areas, showcasing remarkable skills and becoming outstanding, impressive, and exceptionally proficient. Your own happiness will radiate the presence of God as you experience joy, love, and optimal health.
You’ll have overwhelming amazing qualities, and all this is possible because you have allowed yourself to be well polished by God.
As God refines you, He eliminates all the unwanted elements like negative characteristics, inherited behaviors, and sin. Yet, this is just one aspect of having the light within you and living in alignment with it. You will have an influence on others and make an impact.
If you choose to have a relationship with Christ, you can have access to so much more and position yourself to never walk in darkness again.
We will do all that it takes to make the relationship we have with our partner last and excel. We should have this same intensity and passion for our relationship with God.
Your place of surrender will become your place of change. If we humble ourselves and confess to God our true nature, acknowledging our desperate need for his help, then we’ll shine like the sun in His Kingdom (Matthew 13:43).
Living a righteous life is important to God and should not be taken lightly because you’re more effective to the world based on your lifestyle than what you say.
This Scripture passage shows you how a righteous person thinks and acts:
“He who walks righteously and speaks uprightly, who despises the gain of oppressions, who shakes his hands, lest they hold a bribe, who stops his ears from hearing of bloodshed and shuts his eyes from looking on evil, he will dwell on the heights; his place of defense will be the fortresses of rocks; his bread will be given him; his water will be sure. Your eyes will behold the king in his beauty; they will see a land that stretches afar.”
— Isaiah 33:15-17 (ESV)
This Scripture says a righteous person doesn't profit from injustice or exploitation. They're not someone you can persuade dishonestly or illegally.
They're not interested in hearing gossip or slander. They refuse to listen to those who plot murder. They close their eyes to evil thoughts and against contemplating evil, and hate what is evil, focusing only on what is good (Romans 12:9).
By choosing not to engage in what is wrong and evil, they are rewarded with a superior, exceptional, more excellent, triumphant life. They will be granted protection, security, and sustenance. Moreover, they will witness God in His glory.
Righteousness puts you in perfect union with God where you’ll live life according to His will. Since God's nature is righteous, the more you get closer to Him the more you’ll be aware of your weaknesses and sins. It's not done to condemn you; it’s done to get you to the place of holiness (1 Peter 1:16).
To be holy means we must conform more into His image, and this cannot be done without righteousness. It’ll take time, but you’ll notice the change as you move from glory to glory (2 Corinthians 3:18).
Anything that dominates you controls you and what you become dependent on.
Romans 6:14 NIV states, "For sin shall not be your master, because you are under grace, not under the law." Do not allow your sinful desires, cravings, habits, or behaviors to control you. Avoid being enslaved by the flesh; instead, strive to have mastery over it.
If you have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord, then you have authority given to you to overcome. Luke 10:19 NIV says, “I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.”
Serpents and scorpions are symbolic for evil and satanic powers and influences. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground (Ephesians 6:13).
Being saved is just the beginning. DAILY we must seek and strive to live a holy righteous life (Isaiah 55:6, Hebrews 12:14).
There are things God wants to share with His loved ones (you), but you must walk in His will to be shown things that are beneficial to your life. (Jeremiah 33:3).
As you choose to live a righteous life change starts to happen inside you as you become a person of influence to those around you, your family, your community, and the world. We should be change-makers and world changers.
Who we are in Christ
We are living building-stones for God’s use in building His house. We are a selected generation, a priesthood of royalty, a group of holy individuals, a peculiar, different, unique people that should be showing out the praises of God, who has brought us from darkness into His wonderful light. We are created for His own possession, proclaiming His excellency (1 Peter 2:5,9).
Who we are should be seen in our lives. Every area of our life should have God's approval. And our lives should be bringing God glory.
The Kingdom of Heaven is a real place that is perfect and full of love. A place of sheer bliss with the direct unfiltered presence of God. A place of pure happiness where God's unadulterated presence is felt.
Living life with God and for God feels good!
Don't listen to the voice of the enemy that tells you living for God is dull, restricting, boring, hard, or that you are missing out on life. It may feel difficult initially as your flesh is resisting this change (Galatians 5:16-17, Romans 7:21-25, Romans 8:5). However, if you persevere, you'll experience firsthand how amazing your life will be afterward.
Experience God for yourself
When you see photos of food, it causes a spike in your appetite that creates hunger enticing you to want to eat. If all you can do is see the food and do not taste it, then you will not know how truly savoring the food is. When you travel or go on amazing trips, you can taste, feel, smell, and enjoy the experience firsthand. Those experiences create lasting memories...and will affect you in a way that pictures or videos cannot do. As effective as a video or photo is in encouraging you to travel, it will never replace being there. Do not be limited to another person’s view of an adventure. When you live life vicariously, you are experiencing something indirectly, making someone else’s encounters feel like your own. But, move from the place of curiosity to knowing. It is like reading a romantic book. Your thoughts are captivated as the words take you to places you can almost feel, sensing the romance, suspense, and appeal. But as emotionally satisfying as the book may be, all it will be is a book, a good read, and a fantasy. It will only be a mental image until you meet that person who will take it from imagination to reality, and it is the same with God. — An excerpt from It's Ok To Be Single
Seek righteousness, then you’ll be attractive to others, who will eventually want righteousness too.
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A call for salvation
When you accept Jesus Christ as your Savior, His spirit will come to live inside you. This is one of the greatest blessings of salvation. You don't have to go through someone else to get to God, and He will live in your heart where you and Him become one and have a relationship.
All you have to do is make the choice of salvation by repenting of your sins and accepting Jesus into your life by confessing that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that He came from Heaven to die for your sins (Romans 10:9).
Here's a prayer that you can say to get saved:
Jesus, I confess that you are Lord, and I believe you died and was risen for my sins. I have sinned against you, and I repent and ask for forgiveness of my sins, and I accept you as my personal Lord and Savior. Come into my heart and wash away my sins with your blood and make me clean, and I receive you by faith as my Lord and Savior. Thank you for forgiving me and making me into a new person—in Jesus's name, Amen.
Once you have done this, please pray and ask God to guide you to a ministry where you can grow, mature, and start living the abundant life Jesus promised and died for.
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