Righteousness is not a new word in a Christian milieu; its frequent use might probably breed a familiarity in such a milieu. However, righteousness does not pertain to Christians only but to all persons all over the world who must follow a legal system which puts in place morals and standards for peaceful human interrelations. Righteousness can therefore be said to be a way of living / right living expected of all people, established by God or by human society. As established in the
previous lesson, Righteousness is the nature of God which equally depicts His holiness. How righteousness impacts human life and most especially the life of the Christian is interesting to look at. Righteousness makes life easy in the following ways;
1.) A Merry Heart, Joyful Spirit, Bright Countenance and Always Happy.
The Righteousness of God in a person’s life implies that such a person carries the nature of God. God’s nature encompasses love, joy, peace, kindness, happiness etc. life becomes less challenging with the Righteousness of God because the heart is not shaken or worried when storms come, neither is the spirit in despair nor the countenance in gloom because of the security and assurance from the righteousness of God that everything will be okay (Isaiah 43:1b-2, psalm 37:32-33)
2.) No Bitterness, No Grudges and No Resentment
A life that is full of the righteousness of God will always seek and pursue peace with all people (2 Timothy 2:22). Such a life will have the love of God which is unconditional, loving people regardless of their faults and always ready to forgive and hold no resentment against them.
3.) Divine Direction and Protection
The righteousness of God in the life of the Christian invokes the power of God in her life, which shields her from the evils that strike at day and night (Colossians 1:13, 1 Peter 3:12). Righteousness develops a relationship with God which comes with the benefits of God’s divine direction, protection, peace, blessings etc. (Jeremiah 33:3, Isaiah 41:10&13).
4.) Persistent Success
The Righteousness of God keeps those who pursue it in persistent success (Proverbs 4:18). There is a continuous rising from glory to glory in the life of such persons regardless of the obstacles they face. This is because the Righteousness fuels the spirit and encourages those who possess it never to give up but rather to continue trying until they are successful (Isaiah 3:7).
5.)Contentment, Gratitude and Thankfulness
A life that emulates God’s nature (His Righteousness) is a life full of contentment, gratitude and thankfulness. Such a life always seeks the positive in every situation regardless of how negative the situation may look like from first glance. Such a life always seeks the good in every person, for there is a good in every person no matter how bad they may appear.
The benefits of living a life full of the Righteousness of God are so many and should be the goal of every follower of Jesus Christ. We please God when we live righteous lives for this is what He has called us to do; to be holy just as He is (1 Peter 1:15-16).
Wow