Being More Righteous

Many people do not know what the word "righteous" means. This is partly true because there are different aspects of righteousness. However, we all need to know the meaning, and we need to be righteous in two ways. First, we need to be pronounced righteous by God because we have trusted Jesus as our Lord and Savior. When God does that, we have our sins forgiven, and we are assured of eternal life in heaven with Him. Then, we need to live a righteous life by doing what we should do to be right with God and other people. It doesn't happen all at once. It is a process that happens over time, as we grow spiritually, and we become more and more like Jesus. The more righteous we become, the more we will say and do what Jesus would do. We see an example of this in David's life, when he spared the life of King Saul, who was determined to kill him. David and Saul were in a cave at the same time, even though Saul did not know it. David secretly cut off a piece of his robe to show Saul he meant him no harm. When they exited the cave, and Saul saw that David had spared his life, Saul wept. (I Samuel 24:16,17) Then King Saul said, "You are more righteous than I, for you have done what is good to me, though I have done what is evil to you." This incident proved the difference between Saul and David, and Saul knew it immediately. 

The Bible is very clear that we are to listen to the Spirit and do what is right even if those around us are doing wrong. We are to be examples of what is good and right. Then, when those around us see the difference, they will ask themselves why we are that way. This is God's way to show everyone in the world that Jesus really makes a difference in our life. That is why all Christians need to be "more righteous" than everyone around us. We need to have a better attitude, the attitude of Jesus. We need to speak differently, and always share the truth in love. We need to act differently, so that we do not return evil for evil, but we do good to those who mistreat us and hate us. I pray we will all stop to inspect our hearts and our lives. How are we doing? Is the world seeing Jesus in us because we are "more righteous"? If not, let's decide we are going to walk in the Spirit and let Him guide us and empower us in righteousness each day.

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Tomorrow, I intend to read I Samuel 25-27.