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Friends, greetings in Jesus Name! Today, we shall be looking at the concluding part of the series we began over six weeks ago titled, “Prerequisites for Divine Promotion”. Indeed, what has a beginning must have an end. In our previous series, we looked at various prerequisites that necessitates divine promotion, which include: Seeking first the kingdom of God, obedience to God’s command, humility, following God’s plan and purpose for your life, and unleashing your God-given talents. Please, if you have missed any of these series, you can catch up by visiting the above website. Now, the last prerequisite on the list is, “Chasing after Righteousness”. According to dictionary definition, righteousness is the quality or state of being morally correct and justifiable. It can be considered synonymous with “rightness” or being “upright”. Biblically, it is having right standing with God. A man is said to be righteous before God, if his ways are right before the sight of the Lord. In Job 1:8, The LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?” indeed, the life of Job is a typical example of someone having right standing with God. In other words, he lived a justifiable life that was untainted by evil or wickedness.

While teaching His disciples, Jesus said to them, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). Why seek for righteousness? It is because “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34). Yes, no nation or individual can be exalted or get established by wickedness. Isaiah 54:14 says, “In righteousness shall you be established.” The major reasons why many individuals or nations are being demoted rather than promoted, is as a result of sin and extreme wickedness. Nothing restrains God’s hand to save and promote a man other than evil. “Behold, the LORD’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; nor His ear heavy, that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear. For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue has muttered perversity” (Isaiah 59:1-3). Now, we should understand that God is so interested in our heart condition that is willing to submit to His will, through His son Jesus Christ. Apostle Paul declared, “But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:21-23).

Really, we can’t attain righteousness by ourselves. No wonder the bible declares that, “Our righteousness before God is like a filthy rag” (Isaiah 64:6). What happens is, when God sees our heart that is willing to do right and uphold justice, then he strengthens and uphold us. This is where grace through the finished work of Christ comes in. “For without him, we can do nothing” (John 15:5). And that is why God often calls our attention to reason together with him. Why? He wants to help us. He knows that “By strength shall no man prevail” (1 Samuel 2:9). Therefore, He said in Isaiah 1:16-18, “Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil, learn to do good; Seek justice, rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, plead for the widow. Come now, and let us reason together, says the LORD, though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” And because God loves righteousness, anyone who loves righteousness shall be exalted and promoted. The bible declares in Hebrews 1:9, You have loved righteousness and hated iniquity; Therefore God, even your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness above your fellows.” I hope you have been richly blessed. Remember, “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10). Have a fulfilled and fantastic week. With love, Elvis!