Right Paths

In the path of righteousness there is life, in walking its path there is no death.
Proverbs 12:28

He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Psalm 23:3b

But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.
Amos 5:24

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Matthew 5:6

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:10

Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. I can testify that they have a zeal for God, but it is not enlightened. For, being ignorant of the righteousness that comes from God, and seeking to establish their own, they have not submitted to God’s righteousness. For Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.
Romans 10:1-4

As I thought about the word “righteousness” and a few representative passages that speak about it, I am reminded that to discover righteousness as a part of us is best not a labor of burdensome attempts at self-improvement, but glorious thanksgiving in the context of continuing and ongoing daily relationship with Christ as Lord. Following Jesus always challenges us to a high road of action and attitude. His righteousness becomes ours as we acknowledge our sin and confess it and repent of it and receive his forgiveness. Jesus made possible a perfect righteousness before God that we alone could never achieve. In Christ, we live in the provision of his amazing love and grace. In his mercy, we discover and follow the way of life. He is our righteous and wondrous Savior.