'Caught Off Guard' Concerning Righteousness

How do you know what is right and what is wrong? Parents provide a definition of morality for their children. Yet, at some point a child grows up and must take responsibility for himself/herself. So, how does a person figure it out? Does society define morality? Are right and wrong determined by personal preferences?

In simple terms righteousness is about doing what is morally right and avoiding what is morally wrong. The term righteousness, though most often used in a religious context these days, is not restricted to religion. It is rather a term that describes a way of life or the collective behavior that describes a person.

Noah is the first man in the Bible to be noted as a righteous man. To further describe his character we read that he was “blameless in his time; Noah walked with God.” (Genesis 6:9) One of Noah’s ancestors, Enoch, also “walked with God.” He must have been righteous as well.

The idea of walking with is used several times in the Bible. Its literal sense provides a picture for its figurative use. If you are literally walking with someone, you are going the same direction and going at the same pace. There is a general sense of unity and compatibility and perhaps, for that time together, a sense of mutual acceptance.

Now, take that mental image and think about walking with God. The idea is that you are going in the same direction, at the same pace, enjoying acceptance and compatibility. Because God is your Creator, walking with God also suggests your submission to His will and compatibility with His values. When I think about walking with God, I cannot help but think about living a life of righteousness.

Righteousness in the Bible is based on a standard, but no arbitrary standard. God did not compile a list of rules and regulations and publish them as “The Righteousness of God.” Righteousness IS based on a standard, but God Himself is that standard.

For a better understanding of righteousness, the Old Testament books of Psalms and Proverbs are filled with instruction. In the New Testament, check out the book of Romans. For now, think about the words of Jesus:

For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. 

 —Matthew 5:20 (NASB95)

I wonder if an overemphasis of salvation by grace has made some Christians lazy in their thinking about righteousness. It is true that no amount of righteous actions will erase your sin debt. By the grace of God only the blood of Jesus offers forgiveness of one’s sins. However, Jesus was crystal clear; without righteousness, a person “will not enter the kingdom of heaven.”

Let’s not be naïve about righteousness. The expression, might makes right, is incompatible with God. The popular “you can’t judge me” mentality will not work with Jesus, our Judge (Acts 17:31). Today’s tolerance and acceptance philosophy simply cannot be sustained, being incompatible with the conflicting desires of people. We must rather be guided by truth. Listen to the words of the Apostle Paul:

He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

— 1 Corinthians 5:21 (NASB95)

God expects His people to be righteous. It is not enough to claim righteousness. You must be righteous in your attitude and in your behavior.

Are you walking with God?


Mark Stinnett

August 8, 2021