Righteousness.
Merriam-Webster has something special to say about this word.
- We do things by a divine standard.
- We exercise a moral prerogative.
- We remain free from guilt over bad choices.
Merriam-Webster goes on to give the changes we experience.
- We become better, justified by our good decisions.
- We begin to expect more of other people, that they should meet our standard.
Where does this place us as Christians? How do we achieve what the world accepts as the height of human calling?
Romans 8:12-13 says our higher calling is a spiritual one. We can’t live by a divine or moral set of rules in our flesh alone.
“So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.”
Titus 2:11-12 tells us salvation is our pivot point, the moment that swings us from self-indulgence to self-denial and success in Jesus.
“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.”
Righteousness is something we can all have. The important thing to keep hold of is that we can’t get there on our own. Salvation is the key.
Jesus is our helper, and in him, we are better than we were.
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