Ability of a man can take him up but only his character will keep him there. Every man possesses a distinctive nature and attitudes that proliferates his stance in life. Your belief, integrity, sincerity and honesty write you off or write you on depending on the degree at which you accumulate the characters. “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness” {Genesis 15:6}. It is observed that when a man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation. However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies all the wicked, his faith is credited to him as righteousness. Faith plays a vital role in righteousness of a man as God prefers to justify mostly by faith and not merely by work {Galatians 3:7}. It should be noted conspicuously that Holiness is a spiritual practice while righteousness is earned and credited unto man based on integrity, belief, sincerity and honesty. Believers are meant to uphold values by earnestly working tirelessly to attain righteousness. Living a corruptible life of lies, malice, disloyalty, insincerity, unfaithfulness, dishonesty and ungratefulness will only recede and diminish mankind. We are serving a righteous Lord who is upright and just {Psalm 145:17}, therefore, we must receive the imputed obedience of God through Christ and forgiveness of sins through faith. As everyone can still remember Abraham because righteousness was credited to him, so it will be for every man who walks righteously before God, such a person will never fail and will be remembered forever {Psalm 112:6}
Righteousness is the quality of being right and just in the eye of God, including character (nature), conscience (attitude), conduct (action) and command (word). Righteousness is solidly based on God’s standard because He is the ultimate Judge {Isaiah 33:22}. Everyone should take up the task of pursuing righteousness in order to attain life, prosperity and honor {Proverb 21:21} because all we have done will be accounted for us and God repays all according to their deeds {Roman 2:6}. As a matter of fact, doing what is right is more acceptable to God than sacrifice {Proverb 21:3} because God’s eyes are always fixed on the righteous {Psalm 34:15}. I could recollect how Abraham utilized his righteousness by confidently bargaining the lives of the residents of Sodom and Gomarah in the book of Genesis. God in His mightiness patiently listened and gave Abraham the privilege to bargain with Him because He already knows Abraham for being righteous. Believers must hunger and thirst for righteousness in order to be blessed {Matthew 5:6} so as to also enjoy the same grace enjoyed by Abraham. Even when we are persecuted for righteousness, Jesus promised us a greater reward of heaven {Matthew 5:10} nothing should be taken as excuse of being unrighteous; God wants a righteous people because He condemns the unrighteous and elevates the nation of the righteous {Proverb 14:34}.
How to live a righteous live
To live righteously is to conduct one’s life in an upright manner and with moral standards that reflect our relationship with the lord. As representative to the kingdom of God in all that we do, we should mirror His ways.
1. Be truthful at all times
2. To have compassion and kindness towards all people, and all living things at all times
3. To fulfil your duties at all costs
4. To develop a keen sense of right and wrong, and do unwaveringly what’s right
If for any reason, you find it difficult or struggle in these areas, Pray to God fervently and He will lead you through.
Remember, ‘No discipline seems pleasant at the time it was given but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it {Hebrew 12:11}
Discipline yourself to be upright and earn righteousness before God
Reference Scriptures
Proverbs 21:21 He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.
Genesis 15:6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
Galatians 3:7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.
Psalms 145:17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.
Isaiah 33:22 For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; he will save us.
Psalms 112:6 Surely he shall not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.
Romans 2:6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
Matthew 5:10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
Proverbs 14:34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.
-Minister Seyi Ayinla