“Blessed are they...,” said the Psalmist, “who constantly do what is right.” Jesus, too, emphasized the importance of righteousness when He began His public ministry. “Blessed,” said Jesus, “are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”

Doing what is right and hungering and thirsting for righteousness is not a priority in the lives of many who call themselves “Christian.” It is as though it is a lifestyle that is more suitable for monks who live in a monastery and spend their time reading the Bible and praying. They can avoid the “real things” of life and be righteous.

Perhaps when we think of being “righteous” and “doing what is right” we shudder because it sounds so “limiting” on the one hand and “impossible” on the other. “What fun is there in being righteous?” we ask? Or, “If I ‘do right’ I’ll live a life of gloom and doom with no room for happiness and joy.” What a grim prospect.

But the exact opposite is true. God has a plan for each of our lives and has laid out this plan for each of us. It will ultimately lead us into His presence. If we seek and follow the plan and purpose He has for our lives we will walk in paths of “righteousness for His name’s sake.” If we want to know the “path of righteousness” He has for our lives we must study His Word. And the more we study His Word the more we will become like Him. If our desire is to “do right” and become “righteous” we will need to spend time alone with Him, get to know Him and grow closer to Him. To do right is up to each of us. 

Prayer: Lord, we all want to “do right.” But we cannot “do right” unless we are willing to spend time with You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

Scripture for Today: Psalm 106:3 Blessed are those who act justly, who always do what is right.