We read in I John 3:7 "Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous." (KJV). The key word is practice (a word used in other Bible translations). In the Greek it means "to do".
In other words, righteous acts should flow out of righteous heart not just fulfilling moral obligations. Even some of the most corrupt individuals on the planet have been known to do good and charitable deeds, but it doesn't mean they are righteous.
We can spend hours of listening to sermons, reading solid Christian books, attending conferences and events. These things may increase our understanding but does not make us any more righteous.
Christ is our example to follow. He not only did righteous acts, but He is righteous. Merriam-Webster online dictionary defines righteous as acting in accord with divine or moral law: free from guilt or sin.
How do we be righteous without falling into the trap of trying to live a moral life by doing good in our strength?
I Corinthians 6:11 tells us we have been washed, sanctified and justified. The word justified means to be properly, approved, especially in a legal, authoritative sense; to show what is right, i.e. conformed to a proper standard (Bible Suite by Biblos).
Through the blood of Jesus we were declared righteous! We are given the power to turn away from those former unrighteous thoughts and practices because we are no longer following after the pattern of this world.
Let's ask God for the grace to act more like Him since we are already justified in His sight. Perhaps this is where we lead an authentic righteous life in word and in practice when we fully understand that no matter what temptation or struggle or failure we experience, we are still the righteous of God in Christ (Romans 3:22).
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