Pursue Righteousness

Posted on Jul 20, 2015 Topic : Weekly Devotionals

The Lord detests the way of the wicked, but he loves those who pursue righteousness. Proverbs 15:9

What does it mean to pursue righteousness? We know how to pursue happiness or financial security. We may pursue a husband or wife, but what is the pursuit of righteousness?

Righteousness is a standard of behavior that God defines as morally right. We pursue righteousness when we determine to understand what the Scriptures outline as right and integrate that into our behavior. To pursue righteousness is to live intentionally.

The pursuit of righteousness begins with the pursuit of God, for He is the Righteous One. He detests the way of the wicked but loves those who pursue righteousness. He loves those who pursue Him for righteousness’ sake. So we seek Him because we need Him to transform us into the likeness of His Son Jesus. We become like what we pursue.

The Righteous One takes note of the house of the wicked and brings the wicked to ruin (Proverbs 21:12).

God makes the path of the righteous smooth—not without bumps along the way, but with clear direction for living. Do you need to know God’s will for school, marriage, or work? Pursue righteousness, and He will direct your steps. Don’t worry and fret over distant steps. Instead,by faith, focus on the next step. “The path of the righteous is level; you, the Upright One, make the way of the righteous smooth” (Isaiah 26:7).

Without your Lord and Savior Jesus, your “righteous acts are like filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6). Indeed, it is not what you do for Jesus but the work of His Spirit in and through you that produces the fruit of righteousness. Remain in Him, and He will make you righteous— not holier-than-thou, but humble and loving. You become whatever you pursue, so you are wise and loved by the Lord when you pursue righteousness.

Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me (John 15:4 nkjv).

How can I be more intentional about pursuing righteousness and abiding in Christ?

Related Readings

1 Chronicles 29:17; Psalm 1:6; 1 Timothy 6:11; 2 Timothy 2:22

This book is COMING SOON - August 2015