Righteousness

Many thoughts come to mind when considering Christianity, but for me one that is paramount is righteousness. In the course of a person’s life, they will die having clung to either two forms of righteousness. One is characterized by humility and self-denial and the other pride and a constant desire for satisfaction leading to unrest.

Thinking about righteousness brings to mind peace. One form of righteousness grants a peace beyond all understanding continuing forever whereas the other peace comes through satisfaction in temporary circumstances that produce a continuous thirst for the next thrill or acclamation.

Under either circumstance, seeking righteousness depends on an acknowledgement of a standard. Some seek righteousness based on a standard that wavers or even if it is fixed, they fail to comprehend the means to attain it. On the contrary, others see righteousness from a sense of awe acknowledging a standard that cannot be met.

Some seek an internal righteousness based on their own performance intended to fulfill a sense of self-worth often influenced by others around them. Others embrace and are satisfied with a perfect alien righteousness which they freely receive not by their own contribution.

Some boast as they have a perceived sense of righteousness though in actuality have a false sense of self-worth. Others humble themselves by acknowledging that they are empty of any righteousness but are exalted when they recognize and praise the one who gives the gift to be made right.

Some constantly look from side to side and over their shoulder hoping to obtain righteousness while others have assurance knowing the race has been won.

Some identify themselves based on how they see themselves and how they believe they are perceived. Others identify themselves based on who they are apart from what they contribute.

Jesus said to His disciples, eat of my flesh and you will never go hungry. Similarly, He told the woman at the well that He has water that will become like a spring of water welling up to eternal life. Jesus fulfilled His righteous mission of redemption by saying, it is finished before taking His last breadth.

True righteousness is embodied in Jesus with His incarnation, life, death, resurrection, ascension, and ongoing priesthood. Acknowledging your brokenness, need for His atoning work, and willingness to accept Him as Lord unites you with Him for eternity, the one whose Kingdom cannot be shaken.