Are You Like Him?

Today's Verse:

Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death. ~Proverbs 11:4

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The word "righteous" or "righteousness" means to be morally and spiritually upright. It is a word that is closely synonymous with godliness and holiness. It has the idea of the highest good that a person should attain in his conduct and relationship with others. I sometimes refer to righteousness as being just like God. This morning, let us ponder the question: how much are you like God?

We see the procurement of righteousness.

We must realize that we are not born in righteousness, but rather in sin. “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one” (Romans 3:10). The Bible makes very clear our moral and spiritual failure. Our unrighteous state causes us to fall short of the glory of God. "Riches profit not in the day of death." The human mindset seeks to buy favor with God, but it is not possible. Our money will not profit us when we die. Only righteousness cannot deliver us from death.

We see the protection in righteousness.

“But righteousness delivereth from death.” Righteousness can be attained only through faith alone in the atoning death of Christ and His resurrection from the dead. “But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference” (Romans 3:21-22). Righteousness by faith in Christ reserves a place for us in Heaven. It assures us of deliverance from condemnation for sin. It assures us of a spiritual, protective hedge around our lives and families. “Surely he shall not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance. He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD” (Psalm 112:6-7).

We see the practices in righteousness.

A righteous man is a man who fears the Lord. He is identified by good character and the establishment of a good reputation. He is a helper of people and someone who is merciful to others. He is giving of his time, talent, and treasure. He promotes the interests of the kingdom of God. He is known as a man who seeks the Lord in his deeds and life. He is a man of faith. He is a man who is stable in all of his ways. He is a man of conviction and principle. He is an encourager. “The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life... The lips of the righteous feed many” (Proverbs 10:11a, 21a). He is a spiritual man committed to prayer and the Word of God. A righteous man is not difficult to identify.

We see the product in righteousness.

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life: and he that winneth souls is wise.” The righteous man produces fruit from his life that is enduring. He is a soulwinner. He has the eternal interest of lost people foremost in his heart. He has a heart for missions and the evangelistic endeavors of his local church. He is fruitful in his spirit and his efforts.

How much are you like God? Righteousness is being just like Him. The starting point is when we place our faith in Christ for salvation. From there, we should always be giving fruitful evidence of a life that is always producing for eternity.

Have a Christ-honoring God Morning!

Bible Reading Schedule: Isaiah 9-12

#Proverbs #Righteousness