Proverbs 14:34(KJV)
Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.
Our anchor Scripture is clear that righteousness is the key to elevation in life, but sin is a reproach. To be upright is to have a passion for God and live in reverential fear of God. It is the ability to do the right thing with the right motive, have a conscience that is alive and void of offense, and the willingness to take a stand. The uprightness of life is a spiritual catalyst to destiny fulfillment, upliftment, and greatness in life. Righteousness guarantees our prosperity, and honor has its roots in uprightness. It is the shortest way to the topmost top. That is, to be upright is to end right up. In other words, it takes righteousness to go up and stay up. Psalms 92:12-14 says, “The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing.” No matter the drought, the righteous shall flourish, and their leaves will remain evergreen. Nothing glorifies and beautifies like righteousness. Psalm 149:4 says, “For the Lord taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation.” So, when saved from sin, our beauty emerges, and our dominion is established. As long as we live a righteous life, we receive God’s blessings, provision and protection.
It is a fact that Christians are supposed to live uprightly, and their lives are meant to convict sinners and draw them to God. So, righteousness is one of the non-negotiable qualities for every Christian. Without it, life is grounded. Some people don’t have a godly conscience at all. Men like Reuben, Achan, Samson, and Judas Iscariot could not fulfill God’s Purpose for their lives because of character bankruptcy. Sin exposes the nakedness and wretchedness of man. As children of God, we need to understand that sin invites the enemy to resist our lives and destinies. Sin makes it impossible to focus on real things. It distracts and weakens our potential, capability, strength, and sharpness. Sin brings shame and reproach to anyone with a glorious future. That is why the Bible says that the wages of sin is death(Romans 6:23). When anyone sins, they may still be alive physically, but something has died in them. One act of lack of self-control can end the destiny and the entire family of the sinner. So, it does not matter what level people rise to in life; if their character is out of order, their crash is certain. The truth is, outside the parameters of God’s will, only chaos exists. Any possession or qualification without good character is a setup for disaster. And the overall outcome is eternal damnation. The Bible says in Psalms 9:17, “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.”
Beloved, live a lifestyle of righteousness because it brings blessings and abundant life. You have a great future; do not allow the devil to kill your destiny through sin. Do everything within your power to resist iniquity. Flee from every appearance of evil. Live consciously in fear of God and maintain a lively conscience. Ask God to change any negative character you have at the place of prayer. Repent from your sin and surrender your life totally to God. Determine to read and study the Bible habitually, consistently, and diligently. Nourish your spirit and soul with God’s Word. Be addicted and committed to fellowship because you receive strength when you appear before God in Zion. To remain connected to the One who daily loads you with benefits, abide in His presence, and give Him the worship He deserves. May the Help of God take you up and keep you up in Jesus’ Name. Remember, your uprightness is the security of your generation, and your walk today determines the blessings that follow your children tomorrow.
O LORD, I ask for the grace to live a righteous life in Jesus’ Name.