In HIS Righteousness

People get really confused about the word “righteousness”. We use it in puns and mockery or even as a compliment. “Oh, he is righteous.” Meaning he is cool, above par, or fits in society very well. But the biblical meaning of the word “righteous” simply means to be right with God. How are you going to be right with God?

Abraham is mentioned as one who was righteous. What made him righteous? He didn’t just have faith to believe. He did what God said to do. “Offer your son; put him on the altar; offer him up as a sacrifice unto me; give me your son.” How did Abraham respond? He made his son gather up the very wood that would be the fiery kindling that would scorch his flesh. He carried it up the mountain and laid him on the altar, ready to take the dagger and thrust it into his sole heir just because God said to do it.

Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. (Acts 2:43-45)

You take a man like this and see Him as a friend of God because he is willing to do whatever God asked of him. Yet, there are many who do not even believe we ought to tithe! They say, “Isn’t that Old Testament? I don’t believe we ought to attend services because I can worship God on my own. I don’t believe I have to walk according to the way of the church people because, you know, it doesn’t matter anyway. I gave my life to Christ when I was seven years old.” To tithe is an Old Testament commandment and many do not believe that it is necessary for New Testament believers. The fact is that we as New Testament believers are under a much stricter commandment and this verse says it all. God is asking for our all, not just a tenth of what we earn. His plan is to see us all prosper.