Living as Lights in a Dark World
We are at a unique and critical point in history. Every day, the choices we make reflect our values and priorities. For those seeking to live a life of meaning and purpose, now is the time to return to righteousness—living in alignment with God’s will and being a force for good in the world.
Jesus’s words in Luke 5:32 remind us of His purpose: “I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent.” Simply put, Jesus came to heal broken hearts and guide all of us back to the right path. We all fall short, but through repentance and humility, we can find our way back to Him.
What Does It Mean to Be Righteous?
To be righteous is not about being perfect or pretending to have life all figured out. It’s about striving to do what is right in God’s eyes. The Bible gives us practical examples of how this looks in day-to-day life. For instance, in Matthew 5:13-16, Jesus likens His followers to “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world.” Salt preserves and adds flavor, just as we are called to preserve goodness and bring hope to others. Light illuminates and drives away darkness, much like our actions and choices should inspire others to see what is good and just.
Being righteous means living with integrity, kindness, and a heart for justice. In Ephesians 5:8-10, we are urged to “live as children of light” by embracing goodness, truth, and righteousness. It’s not about perfection—it’s about progress. It’s about intentionally walking in ways that honor God and reflect His love to the world.
Why Is Righteousness Important?
Righteousness is essential because it sets the foundation for a better world. Proverbs 14:34 reminds us, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.” When we live righteously, we become part of the solution to the world’s challenges. Our actions ripple outward, encouraging others to do the same.
God cares deeply about justice, mercy, and compassion. In Isaiah 1:16-17, He calls us to “seek justice, encourage the oppressed, defend the cause of the fatherless, and plead the case of the widow.” Similarly, Amos 5:14-15 urges us to “seek good, not evil,” and to let “justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream.” These verses remind us that righteousness is not just about personal morality—it’s about actively working to make the world a more just and loving place.
Returning to Righteousness
To return to righteousness means to turn away from harmful behaviors and attitudes and realign ourselves with God’s ways. This begins with repentance. As Jesus said in Mark 1:15, “The time has come. The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!” Repentance is not just about saying sorry; it’s about genuinely changing direction. It’s about recognizing where we’ve gone astray and intentionally choosing to walk in God’s light.
The Bible is filled with encouragement for those who seek to return to righteousness. In 2 Corinthians 7:10, we’re reminded that “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret.” While it can be hard to face our mistakes, doing so brings freedom and renewal.
Practical Ways to Live Righteously
You might wonder, “What does righteousness look like in my everyday life?” Here are some simple but impactful ways to live righteously:
1. Love and Serve Others
Jesus calls us to love not just our friends and family but also our enemies (Matthew 5:43-48). By showing kindness and compassion to everyone, we reflect God’s unconditional love. This could mean volunteering, helping a neighbor, or simply being a listening ear to someone in need.
2. Pursue Justice
Righteousness involves standing up for what’s right, even when it’s hard. This can include advocating for the oppressed, supporting fair treatment for all, and being a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves.
3. Be Honest and Humble
Living righteously means being truthful, even when it’s uncomfortable, and staying humble in our successes. It’s about recognizing that everything we have is a gift from God.
4. Shine Your Light
In Matthew 5:16, Jesus encourages us to “let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Whether it’s through acts of kindness, words of encouragement, or simply living with integrity, your actions can inspire others to draw closer to God.
5. Stay Rooted in Scripture
The Bible is our guide for righteous living. By reading it regularly and applying its teachings, we can stay connected to God’s will and grow in our faith.
The Blessings of Righteous Living
Living righteously is not always easy, but it comes with incredible blessings. In Matthew 5:6, Jesus promises, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” By seeking God’s ways, we find true fulfillment and peace.
Moreover, our righteous actions can have a lasting impact. As 1 Peter 2:12 says, “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God.” Our lives can be a testimony that leads others to faith.
A Call to Action
Now is the time to return to righteousness. It’s not about waiting for the perfect moment or being free of challenges. It’s about taking small, consistent steps to align our lives with God’s will. Whether it’s through acts of kindness, standing up for justice, or simply spending time in prayer, each of us has a role to play in bringing God’s light into the world.
As Philippians 2:14-16 encourages us, let us “shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life.” Together, we can be a force for good, reflecting God’s love and righteousness to a world in need.
God bless!
Minister A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 