Showing thyself approved: Righteousness as a requirement

Introduction

Excellence and industriousness, rightly combined with knowledge and professional acumen, have the proclivity of producing the expected results. This also works for unbelievers who know and practice this principle. In this Newsletter, the act of righteousness in maintaining God´s approval is discussed.

Recognition of Diligence

Diligence is a necessary ingredient that a person cannot ignore if s/he wants to be approved of God. The Bible clearly puts it: “Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men” (Pro 22:29). If a person is not committed to his course and discipline, s/he would only sit with people at the bottom. It is not possible to be lazy in your profession and attract the attention of the king. It is by being industrious that gives a person an access to Kings and high places.

Maintaining the Exalted Position

A person, through hard work, could be exalted to be with dignitaries, but to remain there depends on his character. After some people have been lifted high they soon fall into the trap of the evil one. Pride takes over their lives and they cease to be who there were before their exaltation. Other people also, when refuse to retain God in their knowledge and they begin to commit unwholesome acts.

Having been lifted up, adultery and fornication become their new lifestyle. They start following the lust of their flesh and do things that are forbidden by our God. Unfaithfulness takes over their lives and they begin to corrupt themselves with lies, unhealthy competition, abuse of power and authority, and they become apostate, among others.

If a person gets promoted to a high office, there is one thing that can keep him/her there, and that is righteousness. Isaiah writes that ” In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee” (Isa 54:14).

Another scripture also affirms that “It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness” (Pro 16:12). David knows this so he pleads with God to open to him the gates of righteousness that he might go into them and praise His name. It is this gate of righteousness into which the righteous shall enter (Psa 118:19-20). From the foregoing, righteousness is an open door that ought to be accessed by believers. Believers need to willingly strive to enter and remain in this door of righteousness in order to remain in their exalted position in
Christ and in our society as they pursue their calling and societal roles.

Conclusion

Being diligent in one´s area of calling and business has the ability to raise him or her to sit with kings and dignitaries. But to be established in that position requires righteousness.

Prayer: Dear Lord, we pray that you cause us to remain humble and faithful when we are promoted. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. AMEN!