TO SUCCEED IN THE NEW YEAR V
Proverbs 14:31-35
So far, we have considered this topic in the last four days. By God’s grace, this year shall be your best yet. To partake of these however, there are buttons to press. The secret we are considering today is the key of righteousness. The word today admonishes us not to oppress the poor; not to do wickedly to others; to seek and operate by wisdom; to honour and show mercy to the poor. All these are ingredients of righteousness. As a child of God, wickedness should be far from you. It is not right to cheat others. Diverse weights and measures are abhorred by the Lord. Our God is righteous. He expects us to be like Him.
What then is Righteousness? A simple definition is to do the right things for the right motives and at the right time. Whatever you are involved in, ask yourself these questions. Is it right to do this? What are my motives for doing this? And is this the right time to do this? Some things may be right, but the motive may be wrong! The timing may also not be perfect! Always seek to do right. Do right to the government of your nation. Do right by your neighbour. Do right in your profession. Do right to your spouse. Righteousness simply means to desist from doing what is wrong. Like a wise man once said if you keep doing what is right, what is wrong and who is wrong will soon leave your life.
Precious child of God, if you must make the best of your year, nay your life, live in righteousness. What is wrong is wrong no matter who or how many people are involved in and justifying it. Don’t follow the multitude to do what is wrong. Stick to what is right. In these days of permissive Christianity, you must stand up for what is right. Remember, Righteousness exalts not just a nation, but also individuals who practice it. Do you want to rise? Practice righteousness.
MEDITATION: The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open into their cry (Psalm 34:15)
