PURSUE RIGHTEOUSNESS

WEDNESDAY 09 MARCH 2022

Righteousness is the nature of God's own people who have been justified in Christ Jesus. However there is a practical aspect of righteousness which entails heeding the ordinances of holy principles and functioning in conformity with the life of Christ, which is in accordance with spiritual realities. As a Christian, if there is first a willing mind and godly affections of heart to pursue righteousness, the fulfilment is always an attainable and rewarding experience.

Reference: Proverbs 15:9 English Standard Version (ESV) "The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but he loves him who pursues righteousness."

God delights in those who pursue righteousness. To pursue righteousness is simply to heed life-giving principles in the Word. It is to go after what pleases the Lord and demonstrate His truths, as well as experience the lasting value of living such life. We can't really pursue righteousness without first experiencing the new birth because without being born again, we can't nurture such desire in us successfully.

To expound this clearly, there are two remarkable kinds of righteousness. The first one is the righteousness of God which we have by imputation in Christ and thereby received by faith alone. According to 2 Corinthians 5:21, God made Christ who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God (NIV). This righteousness is not of our own making or doing. This is the reason the Bible noted, "And be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith" (Philippians 3:9 ESV).

The other is the continual practice of righteousness which involves exercising our faith, living upright, conforming to the character of Christ in thoughts and actions and upholding other Christian virtues. Therefore, to pursue this righteousness is to produce righteous actions with righteous quality in line with the above-mentioned righteous practises. It is the desire, act or conduct of one who is already made righteous in Christ. For instance, Psalm 106:3 reads, "How blessed are those who maintain justice, Who practice righteousness at all times!" (NASB). Beloved, the righteous are the blessed and they practise righteousness, making them to be at home among the wise.

In His pastoral epistle, apostle Paul exhorted Timothy in 1st Timothy 6:11 saying, "But you, O man of God, flee from these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness." This exhortation was to propel Timothy to pursue righteousness and be faithful in maintaining the truth amid surrounding evil influences and erroneous practices. Like I explained earlier, living a righteous life is different from having the nature of righteousness. The nature of righteousness is a gift from God that simply positions you and grants you the ability to do right.

Moreover, to pursue such life and bring it to effect is to be determined to live a Christian life of integrity, with intense love for Christ, plus being steadfast and engrossed in fulfilling God's will and walking in the knowledge of the truth. Again, in 2 Timothy 2:22 (NIV), Paul addressed Timothy to flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. The significance of practising righteousness is that it is an uncommon desire and practice engaged by those who serve the Lord out of a pure heart. Now, this being clearly understood, we must be willing as Christians to follow Apostle Paul's course of thought and exhortations in regard to practising what is right at all times. Shalom!

Scripture Reading - Acts 10:34-35; Romans 6:13-18; Titus 2:12; 1 John 2:29.

Exuberant Declaration: By the virtue of new birth, I am the righteousness of God in Christ. I have a living hope and I exercise my faith in God by practising righteousness. Daily, I present my spirit, soul and body as instruments of righteousness, because I'm fully alive to God and dead to sin. Glory to God!