RighteousnessSample

An Uncommon Approach

Can you imagine most of us walking around with 90% of our potential untapped and unmet? If that’s true, I am convinced to be better and do better. When we live with excellence, we hold the great privilege of glorifying God and proclaiming his excellence to the world around us. As God has given and served us with only His very best, who are we to withhold our best from him? If we truly understand his grace, we will respond by giving excellence to God and others.

As representatives of the kingdom of God in all we do, we should mirror his ways. This means in the face of evil, do what is right. Righteousness brings us closer to God as it enhances fellowship with Him. Righteousness means standing in His presence without guilt, shame, inferiority, or condemnation.

When God thinks of you, He thinks of a victorious, conquering, strong, powerful, wise, and holy son or daughter, or in your power, position, and presence - as a king or a queen. He sees you as a mighty champion. He sees you as the head and not the tail.

God may give you an uncommon approach to understanding your position. Mediocrity may need to be declared away, which is why our affirmations in this devotional are so powerful. We can ask and praise God for better, then go after righteousness and live it out. When you are always conscious of what’s wrong, you will do what is wrong. But when you are always conscious of being the righteousness of God – you will do what is right. You’ll act on the outside how you see yourself on the inside. You’ll intentionally guide your thoughts to dwell on what’s right rather than wrong. You’ll accept the uncomfortable experiences God might cause to correct you and get the best out of you. You’ll recognize the unique ways He may use to get your attention. Search through the Scriptures regarding who you are, what is already yours, and what you can do, and let this new way of thinking flood your heart and mind toward a life of righteousness.

God sets the standard. His standard applies to all areas of our lives. We often make up these rules and rituals that set the standards for our lives without referring to God’s word as the foundation for living. He has already established patterns of righteousness for us to follow and imitate. It’s up to us to decide that we will.

Spend time meditating on these scriptures:

Deuteronomy 28:13

Romans 8:31-39

2 Timothy 4:7-8

Answer these questions and reflect on your answers:

1. What decisions have you made recently that reflect righteousness?
2. In what ways do you recognize God affirming your righteous choices?
3. How can you approach others to pursue righteousness in their lives?

Affirm and declare these statements:

For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

Lord, I seek you and your righteousness first in my life,

I wait in great anticipation for his return when I receive my crown of righteousness.

Pray in petition to God to pursue His will and way.

Want more? Check out the Affirmations of Excellence Podcast Episode 5 on Righteousness!