Theme: THE PRACTICE OF GOD'S RIGHTEOUSNESS
INTRODUCTION
Righteousness is the quality of being right or just. It is that act, deed, disposition, thought, etc that is right in the sight of God or in accordance with the will of God.
The singular fact that God Almighty is the Judge of all the earth (Genesis 18:25), and He will reward everyman according to his deeds is a pointer to the fact that anyone who does not live up to God’s standard (by practising the righteousness of God) but practises personal righteousness (what one thinks or feels is right) will have him/herself to blame in the end. King Solomon admonished: “… lean not unto thine own understanding… Be not wise in thine own eyes…” – Proverbs 3:5-7.
True Christians should take a cue from St. Paul who stated: “And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but the righteousness which is of God by faith” (Philippians 3:9). Therefore, “Is it God’s Righteousness you practice?” Let us examine ourselves.
Text: “For the righteous Lord loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.” – Psalm 11:7.
Comment: The text for today states that God Almighty is righteous and takes delight in persons who give themselves to righteousness. Moses the prophet describing God said: “He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.” – Deuteronomy 32:4.
Elihu attested to the fact that God cannot be associated with evil when he declared: “Therefore hearken unto me ye men of understanding: far be it from God, that he should do wickedness, and from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity. For the works of man shall he render unto him, and cause every man to find according to his ways. Yea, surely God will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert judgment.” – Job 34:10-12.
Concerning those who do righteousness, God’s countenance is continually on them for good. (Psalm 146:8). Truly, God delights in those who give themselves to righteousness and He will show His favour on them by granting them their desires – Proverbs 10:24,28.
In times of economic difficulties and other challenges, God Almighty will come to the aid of the righteous and help them out of their troubles. King Solomon stated: “The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked”. – Proverbs 10:3; Psalm 34:15,17,19.