Weekday Devotionals

PURSUE RIGHTEOUSNESS! Devotional by Steve Grigg

Verse – 1 Tim. 6:11 (NLT) “But you, Timothy are a man of God, so run from all these evil things.  Pursue righteousness and a godly life along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.”  Pastor Pete started out his Rooted message with this verse.

Thought - Pursuing righteousness.  What can I say on this subject?  This is difficult for me to say in a limited space.  My thoughts are, outside of the salvation message, this is one of the most important aspects of a Christian’s life.  Walking the walk, and talking the talk.  Being completely honest with yourself, about yourself.  You may ask yourself the question, Me righteous?  No way, can’t happen.  Well, we humans have a way of misusing what God has created.  Ponder this, God does not make junk!  God created everything perfect; He was pleased.  Then came the fall of man.  Remember, you are not an afterthought.  We have a heavenly Father who is waiting for each wayward child to return to him so he can dress us in new clothes and throw a big celebration.  He loves each of us so much that his Son died on the cross for us.  When we ask Jesus into our lives, we receive all of God’s blessings.  You’ve probably heard of the armor of God.  Part of the armor of God is the breastplate of righteousness.  It is not our righteousness, but God’s.  We have to learn how to use that armor.  We need to recognize God’s will for our lives and live it.  Here’s what we know: God wants us to be righteous.

“He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you, but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.  Micah 6:8
 
Striving to be righteous is a daunting thought, especially if you are a believer looking back on a life of worldly living.   How do we pursue righteousness? 
     
Read your Bible either on your own or join the One Year Bible study.
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”  2 Timothy 3:16
   
  Seek help from brothers or sisters in the lord.

“As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.”  Prov. 27:17

In sports, military, or law enforcement, you train to make your skills almost instinctive.  This is so you do not have to think about what you are doing, you react.  The reaction becomes part of who you are.   As Christians we have to work at it and practice it.  Make it so you say no to a temptation and yes to God.  Also, say yes to God’s leading rather than no, when you feel like you are too busy to participate.

“If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him.”  1 John 2:29

“Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”  2 Timothy 2:22

     Before putting thoughts to words, I started by reading 1 Tim. 6:9-21.  Pursuing righteousness is not a one and done, rode the ride/bought the T-shirt, or a bucket list activity.  It is a life long process.  I will close with Paul’s closing words, “May God’s grace be with you all.”  1 Timothy 6:21
 
P.S.:  If music helps minister to you, try “If You Just Believe” by John Elefante.  Chorus – Pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace…

- Steve

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