Why Living Right Matters Now More Than Ever
”Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a disgrace to any people.” (Prov. 14:34)
Let’s be honest: it’s hard to look around these days and not feel disappointed by the level of unrighteousness—wrongdoing, injustice, and just plain nastiness—that seems to fill society. Many people do whatever they want, with little care for what’s right or who gets hurt in the process. Sometimes, it feels like people have forgotten what goodness even looks like.
What Does “Righteousness” Actually Mean?
Simply put, righteousness is living the way God wants us to live—doing what’s right, loving what’s good, and standing up for justice, even when it’s unpopular. It isn’t about showing off or pretending to be better than others. It’s about genuinely caring for others, seeking fairness, and avoiding the things that tear people and communities down.
Why Does This Matter?
Jesus himself didn’t come for those who thought they had it all together, but for those humble enough to admit they need help and want to change for the better. He said, “I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent.” (Luke 5:32) That’s every single one of us, if we’re honest.
What Does the Bible Say About Living Right?
The Bible is clear: we’re called to be the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world.” Salt preserves what’s good, and light chases away the darkness. If we lose our saltiness—or stop being different from the world around us—what good are we? And if we hide the light of goodness, who will see it?
When society went off the rails in the Bible, God didn’t just call out the bad stuff—He called His people to do something about it:
· “Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.” (Isaiah 1:17)
· “Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts.” (Amos 5:15)
· “Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” (Amos 5:24)
It’s Not Enough to Just “Be Good”
It’s easy to go through the motions—singing songs, going to church, doing good things—without letting it actually change our heart or our community. God wants more than empty rituals. He wants us to be people who love what is right and act on it, even when it’s tough or costs us something.
Standing for What’s Right Can Be Hard
Being righteous isn’t always comfortable. It often means calling out injustice, even if others don’t like it. It means loving our neighbors and even our enemies, choosing to do good when it would be easier to do nothing or to get even. In a world that sometimes seems “crooked and depraved,” we’re called to “shine like stars in the universe.”
Practical Steps Toward Righteousness
· Start with honesty: Admit where you fall short and ask God to help you grow.
· Do what’s right, even when it’s unpopular: Stand up for those who can’t stand up for themselves.
· Speak the truth with kindness: Don’t use your words to cut others down, but to build up and correct in love.
· Be the change you want to see: Let your example inspire others, not just your words.
· Don’t give up when it’s hard: Even if people don’t appreciate it, God sees what you do.
The World Needs Real Change—Not Just Talk
Many wise Christian leaders have pointed out that faith isn’t just about what we believe, but about how we live. If our faith doesn’t push us to get involved and make a difference, it’s just talk. As Martin Luther King, Jr. said, the church should be the conscience of the nation—speaking up for justice, not just blending in or playing it safe.
Final Thoughts
We’re living in a critical time. The world desperately needs people willing to stand for righteousness—to love what is good, to seek justice, and to be a light in the darkness. This isn’t always easy, and it may even cost us something. But if we want to see real change, it starts with us. Let’s choose righteousness, not just for ourselves, but for the sake of everyone around us.
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