Understanding God’s Character and a Nation’s Prosperity in Simple Terms
Let’s have a real conversation about two words we often hear but don’t always talk about: righteousness and justice. Sure, they might sound like big “religious” concepts, but at their core, they’re simply about doing what’s right and treating people fairly. And believe it or not, they’re not just important for individuals—they’re crucial for entire countries to flourish.
What Do Righteousness and Justice Mean in Everyday Life?
Righteousness isn’t just about being “perfect” or super-holy. Think of it as aiming to do the right thing, even when it’s not easy or when no one is watching. For example: Have you ever found a wallet on the street? Returning it with everything inside, even if no one would know if you kept the cash, is an act of righteousness.
Justice, on the other hand, means making sure everyone gets treated fairly. Imagine playing a soccer game where the referee favors one team over the other. It wouldn’t feel right, would it? That’s what injustice feels like. Justice is about leveling the playing field, so everyone gets a fair shot—whether that’s in sports, at work, or in the community.
Why Do These Ideas Matter for a Whole Country?
Let’s pause and ask: Have you ever noticed that when people in a group are honest and fair, things just run smoother? The same is true for nations. There’s an old saying from the Bible: “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” In simple terms: When a country strives to do what’s right, it becomes stronger and more prosperous. But when cheating, lying, or treating people poorly becomes normal, the whole society suffers.
Let’s look at some real-life examples:
· When leaders in Singapore decided to crack down on corruption and insisted on justice for everyone, the country went from poverty to one of the richest economies in the world within a few decades.
· On the other hand, in countries where corruption is common, studies show that economies struggle, crime rises, and people feel less hopeful about the future.
Here’s a statistic to think about: According to Transparency International, the least corrupt countries consistently have higher standards of living, better health care, and more opportunities for everyone—not just the wealthy few.
Personal Stories: Seeing Righteousness and Justice in Action
Let me tell you about a local bakery in my town. The owner, Maria, bakes the best bread, but what really sets her apart is her heart. A few years ago, during a tough winter, she noticed a homeless person sleeping near her shop. Instead of looking away, she started giving out leftover bread each night. Soon, she rallied other businesses to help. Her small act of justice—treating someone with dignity—sparked a change. People felt inspired, and now there’s a weekly soup kitchen in our neighborhood.
Have you ever seen or experienced something similar? Maybe you spoke up when a classmate was being bullied, or chose to do the right thing even when it was hard. How did it make you feel? Did it change the way others acted around you?
Why Is Justice So Central to God’s Character?
Even if you’re not religious, it’s interesting to note how central justice is to the idea of God’s character. The Bible describes God as someone who cares for the oppressed, defends the widow and orphan, and judges fairly. That means God’s version of justice isn’t just about handing out punishment, but also about lifting up the vulnerable and making sure everyone gets a fair shake.
Doing What’s Right Makes a Difference
Let’s get practical. Here are a few ways righteousness and justice show up in day-to-day life:
· Treating others with respect, no matter their background or what they look like.
· Standing up for the truth, even when it’s unpopular or scary.
· Choosing honesty at work, school, or home—even if it costs you something.
· Helping those in need, not turning a blind eye.
Think about this: When people in your community are honest and fair, do you feel safer and more relaxed? When leaders act with integrity, do you trust them more? How might your school, workplace, or neighborhood change if everyone took these values to heart?
Lessons from History
The founding fathers of America believed that a nation would only prosper if it was built on principles like honesty, hard work, and caring for others. They saw righteousness as more important than military strength or wealth. Many historians agree that periods of national honesty and justice often lead to times of growth and unity.
A Call to Action: Making It Real
So, what can you do? Here’s what I challenge you to consider:
· Ask yourself, “Is this the right thing?” before making big decisions—or even little ones.
· Stand up for someone who’s being treated unfairly, even if it’s uncomfortable.
· Choose leaders who are honest and care about justice. Your vote matters!
· Talk with friends or family about what righteousness and justice look like in real life. Share stories. Learn from each other.
Let’s end with a question: What kind of nation—and world—do you want to live in? One where everyone looks out for themselves, or one where we lift each other up and do what’s right, even when no one’s watching?
Righteousness and justice aren’t just lofty ideals for religious people or politicians. They’re for all of us, every day. If we embrace them in our own lives, we help build stronger families, safer neighborhoods, and a better future for everyone. Let’s be the kind of people—and nation—whose goodness is felt and seen.
Are you ready to take the first step?
Minister A Francine Green
September 2025
afrancinegreen.com 