Get righteous

A gift of transformation in character, received through Jesus Christ – righteousness.

The word sounds like something complicated.

But in simple terms, believing in Christ delivers this gift to us.

People struggle to change their character for the better in a world that constantly pressures them to sin.

Believers are blessed with a transformation – in justice, virtue, and uprightness – where Jesus molds their character to be more like Him.

Romans 3:22 (KJB) – “Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference.”

The passage goes on to say believers are justified by grace through the redemption in Christ Jesus. Righteousness is founded in belief in Jesus.

How many people out there in the world long for something so precious from Jesus?

Do our lives display for others to see the righteousness of God through our faith?

Michah 6:8 (KJB) – “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”

Now, disciple, get righteous – for the sake of others.

3 Questions for now

Let’s get right to it.

How can we connect be an example for others in a world seeking something more?

Here are three questions that could help you start a conversation:

• Do you believe it's possible to truly change as a person?

• Have you ever had a moment where you felt you were seeking God, even if you didn’t know exactly what that meant?

• Do you think the world would be different if more people lived like Jesus taught?

Maybe add these questions to the notes in your phone and check back with them as you can.

Then, when opportunity arises, ask one of these questions and follow the Lord’s lead.

Be kind. Love them. Be bold.

Be righteous.

Shawn’s noodling rant:

(“Noodling” is a term I swiped from my mentor. The meaning is to “ponder” or “think deeply about” a topic that God is challenging us with through scripture or the Holy Spirit, or both.)

Seek righteousness to model God’s character

A standard for personal conduct – righteousness. A character of justice, virtue and uprightness.

Hmmm. Gives me pause.

Is that really me? Someone of such character? Righteous?

I must admit, I don’t always see myself as righteous.

Especially based on my reactions when someone cuts me off in traffic or I remember “that person” who wronged me at some point in my life. I fall into a less than righteous reaction more often than I care for.

Matthew 12:37 (KJB) – “For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.”

Thank God in Heaven there is an answer … for me and everyone.

Matthew 5:6 (KJB) – “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.”

I will never achieve any level of righteousness – “a new self, created to be like God” (Ephesians 4:24) – without Jesus. I can’t do this on my own. I need Him.

My sin nature actions and reactions don’t set a morally right or justifiable example for others. These force me to repent and reset my moral compass pointed toward Jesus, seeking His forgiveness and righteousness.

All must seek Jesus to “get right.”

Matthew 6:33 (KJB) – “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

I believe more people are yearning for this character trait and how to live – righteousness – than believers realize.

Now, disciple, we must be the example as Jesus guides us to those yearning for what He offers.