THE WORK AND EFFECT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

Today, God wants us to know and access the rewards He has planned for us as we walk in righteousness. Therefore we need to cherish the gift of righteousness we have received from God as we learn about the benefits from this article.

Reference: Isaiah 32:17-18 New King James Version (NKJV) "The work of righteousness will be peace, and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever. My people will dwell in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places."

The Bible says that the work of righteousness is peace and the effect, quietness and assurance forever. Whoever lives in righteousness finds peace, rest and security. The effect of living or walking in righteousness is quietness and assurance. In other words, that's the reward of living such life. No matter what happens in the path of the righteous, they can never be moved or perturbed (Psalm 112:6).

It feels good to be recognized for our self righteousness and good works but here the Bible is not talking about self righteousness because He made reference to His own people. God's people are sons and daughters of Zion, which applies or refers to the born again Christians in today's world. To experience the work and effect of righteousness, we must first receive Jesus Christ, as Saviour and Lord because this is a righteousness made possible by His perfect sacrifice or through His death and resurrection on the cross. When He paid the penalty for the sins of mankind by shedding His blood, He provided the means for everyone that believes in Him to be clothed in God's righteousness.

The Bible say, "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" (2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV). So this righteousness is from God. The natural man or an unbeliever cannot attain it because he is in enmity with God. And if we carefully examine our surroundings, we can notice that the lens of the world causes men to focus on issues and worldly challenges in an unstable world. But the reward of living with the lens of God's righteousness is the blessing of quietness and assurance forever, even in the midst of a hectic, turbulent world.

Psalm 85:10 (NIV) says, "...righteousness and peace kiss each other." When we walk in righteousness, we are illuminated and reinforced by the Holy Spirit to experience a peace that transcends all understanding. As we live our lives to align with the Word, its easy to sustain a life of quietness and assurance, no matter the challenges that come our way. Living a righteous life ensures divine protection and wards off all the dangers fashioned by the enemy against the righteous. A notable passage in the Scripture says, "No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And their righteousness is from me," says the Lord (Isaiah 54:17 NKJV). Here God assures us that our righteousness is from Him.

Isaiah 32:18 also reads, "My people will dwell in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places." The more we find ourselves living a life filled with the work and effect of righteousness that comes from Christ, the more we become powerful enough to handle any situation in life by the Holy Spirit. Righteousness empowers us to be steadfastly committed to doing things God's way and this gives us full assurance that the Lord can never let us down. It also enables us to experience divine favour. Psalm 5:12 (NASB): "For You bless the righteous person, LORD, You surround him with favor as with a shield."

Finally, Proverbs 4:18 (ESV) reads, "But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day." Therefore continue to persevere in your commitment to walking in righteousness and never allow anyone or anything to deter you. Shalom!

Scripture Reading - Psalm 55:22; Proverbs 2:7; Psalm 92:12; Romans 5:17.

Exuberant Declaration: In Christ Jesus, I walk in righteousness and I'm planted in a fruitful field. Peace and quietness are my wages in the work of righteousness and I prevail and enjoy true satisfaction in the practice of righteousness. Thus, my confidence and assurance are watered by God's grace, and they empower me in fulfilling His purpose in my world. Hallelujah!