No Righteousness, No Success

True success is not possible without righteousness.  God doesn't smile on sin.  He doesn't reward rebellion.  He doesn't bless the backslider.  I recently saw a meme on Facebook that expressed it well:  "You can't shack up with the devil and expect God to pay the rent."  On the other hand, God promises special favor and blessings to the righteous.

Psalm 5:12 “For you, Lord, bless the righteous one; you surround him with favor like a shield.”  Proverbs 2:7 “He stores up success for the upright; He is a shield for those who live with integrity.”  Proverbs 10:24 “What the wicked dreads will come to him, but what the righteous desire will be given to them.”  Proverbs 13:19 (NLT)  “It is pleasant to see dreams come true, but fools refuse to turn from evil to attain them.”  Proverbs 14:11 “The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will flourish.”  Proverbs 21:21 (NIV) "Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity, and honor.” 

Righteousness means being in a right relationship with God.  There are two kinds of righteousness that you need:  Judicial righteousness, and ethical righteousness.  Judicial righteousness is right standing before God.  Before salvation we are guilty of sin and deserve eternal punishment.  But when you put your faith in Jesus Christ for salvation, God justifies you, declaring you legally righteous in His sight.  Our standing before God changes from sinners deserving hell to believers deserving heaven.  It is a permanent, irrevocable standing before God.

Ethical righteousness is right acting before God.  It is the fulfillment of God's expectations in your relationship with Him and in your relationships with people.  It is conformity to God's rule and His will.

Righteousness is absolutely essential to be a true success.  So make it your priority.  "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you (Mt 6:33)."  "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled (Mt 5:6)."

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Why You Shouldn't Be A Swiftie

Should Christians Attend Gay Weddings?

Are We Approaching Armageddon?