HIS STANDARDS ARE UNCHANGING
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Without a proper understanding of righteousness, it’s impossible to live a true Christian life. Why is righteousness so important? To truly understand righteousness, we must first understand God. This is because, in the world, righteousness isn’t typically discussed. People might talk about doing what is right or wrong in terms of good and evil, but these are based on human definitions and moral standards.
These standards can change depending on cultural, societal, or individual beliefs about what is right or wrong. For example, in certain countries, though bizarre, their law allows for same-sex marriages, meaning that in such societies, if a man marries another man, it’s considered okay. But in certain other societies, this act might be considered wrong or even punishable by death. In one place, it’s seen as normal; in another, it’s viewed as a grave sin. But God’s position on it is clearly defined in the Scriptures in both the Old and New Testaments (Leviticus 18:22, Romans 1:26-32).
God’s concept of righteousness is different. Many people mistakenly believe that the majority opinion represents the voice of God, but that’s not true. Whether the majority gets it right or wrong is irrelevant. God has His own voice, His own standards, His own Kingdom, and His own choices. He has expressed His will through Jesus Christ, whom He sent.
When we talk about righteousness, we’re talking about God’s ability and attribute, the character of God to be right and perfect. It is about who He is. How He thinks is always right. What He says is always right. What He does is always right because He’s God. So, everything about God—His thoughts, His words, His actions—is always right. This is what we call the quality of rightness, the rightness of God.
Therefore, understanding righteousness is about understanding who God is. It is about recognizing that His standards are unchanging and not subject to human opinions or societal norms.
PRAYER
Righteous Father, I align my thoughts, words and actions with your unchanging standards and live in your righteousness in this crooked and perverse world, shining as a light. I’m the unveiling of your righteousness. I’m a tree of righteousness, planted to produce fruits of righteousness. My life is a reflection of your grace and a testimony of your goodness, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
Romans 1:16-17, Romans 1:26-32, Philippians 3:9
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: James 3:14-4:1-12 & Ezekiel 22-23
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 John 5:1-21 & Daniel 5-6
