Righteousness

Righteousness

When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous have a refuge. . . . Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.

Proverbs 14:32, 34, NIV

The word righteousness comes from a root word that means “straightness.” Righteousness is upright and holy living that follows God’s standards. God is perfectly righteous, and so all righteousness comes from him. That’s why Proverbs 3:5-6 instructs us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight” (NIV, emphasis added).

As we trust in Christ, he shares his righteousness with us. Our character becomes more like his, and our status is elevated—we become children of God. That’s how righteousness exalts people. Isn’t that what we want for ourselves and our children? We can’t buy this with money, but rather we choose to trust Christ, and he imparts his righteousness to us.

Righteousness not only exalts us, but it protects us. Parents and children who choose to share the righteousness of Christ find refuge in him. He is a source of protection, shelter, help, relief, and comfort in times of trouble or hardship.

O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge. (Psalm 62:8)

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare of the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I am trusting him. (Psalm 91:1-2)

Righteousness elevates us and protects us, but not because of our own merit. As we trust in Christ, he shares his righteousness with us; then we are exalted and protected.

Righteous God,

Thank you that because of our relationship with you, we can experience your righteousness. May we continually trust you so that we will be gracious examples of your righteousness to our families. Amen.