Righteousness

4-23-2009

Righteousness can be defined as morally upright; without guilt or sin. Righteousness is also noted as one of the keys to success according to the bible. I believe a key to being righteousness is to avoid negativity. Do the right things for the right reasons.

In 1 Peter 3:12 Peter says, “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” Let’s look at some other versus where righteousness is focused upon.

“What the wicked dreads will overtake him, what the righteousness desire will be granted” (Proverbs 10:24).

“A good man obtains favor from the Lord, but the Lord condemns a crafty man” (Proverbs 12:2).

There are a lot of versus stressing the importance and need to be righteousness, but how many of us truly focus on being righteous? We are called to strive for sanctification, or to be Christ like. The question I would ask of all of us is do we focus more on being righteous, or more on worldly things?

According to the bible, if you are truly doing things the right way for the right reasons, you will be blessed. If you aren’t, then you will not be blessed. God does not bless those for doing right. He blesses those that have pure motives and are Christ honoring. Are there individuals that have a lot of worldly riches, yet they do things the wrong way for the wrong reasons? YES! Remember, that doesn’t mean they are peaceful or happy. They simply have a lot of stuff. Those of us that live a righteous life, rest our heads on our pillows at night in peace. We all make mistakes, but you can make mistakes without guilt or sin. Allow God to be your focal point, and you will be blessed beyond your wildest dreams!

Application:
1. Read Psalm 58
2. Is there any part of your life that is lacking righteousness?