We should hold tightly the principles of God's Word and strive to live a life pleasing to God, walking in lovingkindness toward others and shining brightly as beacons in a dark world. Psalm 97 declares the righteousness of God. Verse 2 resounds, "Righteousness and judgement are the foundation of His Throne." One of the compound Hebrew names for Jesus is Jehovah-Tskidkenu, meaning He is our Righteousness (Jeremiah 23:6).
If I examine my life, my righteousness is as filthy rags, but God has declared that we are the "righteousness of God in Him." Scripture in 2 Timothy 2:22 teaches us to pursue righteousness above all things. And the writer of Proverbs speaks wisdom clearly into our lives with His teaching, "Righteousness exalts a nation." (Proverbs 14:34)
Living a righteous life does not come naturally for us. Mankind is carnal and selfish in his natural ways, but the spiritual man must press hard after the righteousness of God. I have no righteousness of my own, but simply because of the righteousness of God and what Christ did on the cross of Calvary, God promises to forgive us and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. That means when we fall short or fail, God gives us another chance to accept His righteousness. Once we accept that righteousness, our lives should shine as beacons to the lost world around us.
