Right with God

Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.  Righteousness in simple terms is being right with God.  However, there are two basic definitions.  One is pleasing God by doing the things that He tells us are right, and the second, is to be right next to God, right with Him.  If we are mindful that the Lord is with us, our choice to do what pleases Him is easy. 

The Word in Psalm 37 declares many benefits of being righteous.  God promises to bring forth our righteousness as the light, rising as the dawn.  Even though the wicked plot against the righteous, the Lord will "sustain the righteous."  Better is the little of the righteous than the abundance of many wicked.  He declares they will not be ashamed in the time of evil and in the days of famine they will have abundance.  The righteous have the character of God, which is to be gracious and give, as we see the nature of God in the familiar declaration, "God so loved the world that He gave..."  He promises that the righteous will not be forsaken but will inherit the land and dwell in it forever.  Furthermore, the mouth of the righteous "utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice."

The point is that righteousness is the currency of heaven.  Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.  We are only as rich as we are righteous.  In the world people often consider wealth as money, fame, and position.  However, these items are temporary and can give only fleeting pleasure, but righteousness, being right with God in action and in position, is true worth and lasts for eternity.  

All God asks is our willing response, "Come to me, all you heavy burdened and I will give you rest."  As we humbly come and acknowledge our falling short, He gives the most valuable gift, His righteousness.  We can rest, right now in total peace without guilt or anxiety, in His presence.  He became sin that we might become the righteousness of God.  His death and resurrection is the ultimate provision so we can receive and enjoy the awesome reality of literally sharing His righteousness, being seated with Jesus at the right hand of God.  Naturally from this high position of His righteousness, we have the powerful gift and authority to live a life of love, peace, and joy.  

Take time to receive and be refreshed in the righteousness of God.  Then, aware of your eternal position of being next to God, choose to walk in the choices that please Him.  Enjoy and maintain the righteousness of God, and all else will be added.