In hot pursuit

The Lord detests the way of the wicked but he loves those who pursue righteousness. Proverbs 15:9

What does it mean to pursue righteousness? We pursue happiness. We pursue financial security. We pursue a husband or wife for marriage, but what is the pursuit of righteousness? It is a standard of behavior that is morally right or justifiable as God defines it. We pursue righteousness when we determine to understand what the Scripture outlines and says ss right, and good.  It is the adherence of the soul to the principles of God's word, that is displayed in the fabric of our lives.  It is the conscious effort of integrating it (righteousness) into our behavior. It is intentional living for God (Colossians 3:23).

 

The pursuit of righteousness begins with the pursuit of God, for He is the Righteous One. He detests the way of the wicked but loves those who pursue righteousness. He loves those who pursue Him for righteousness sake. So we seek Him because we need Him to transform us into the likeness of His Son Jesus. We become  what we pursue.

 

“The Righteous One takes note of the house of the wicked and brings the wicked to ruin” (Proverbs 21:12).

 

It is the path of the righteous He makes smooth, not without bumps along the way, but with clear direction for living. Perhaps you ask, “How do I know God’s will for school, marriage, or work?” Pursue righteousness, and He will direct your steps. Do not worry and fret over step fourteen; instead, by faith focus on the next step. “The path of the righteous is level; O upright One, you make the way of the righteous smooth” (Isaiah 26:7).

 

Without your Lord and Savior Jesus, your “righteous acts are like filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6). Indeed, it is not what you do for Jesus, but the work of His Spirit in and through you, to produce the fruit of righteousness. Remain in Him, and He will make you righteous, not holier than thou, but humble and loving. Your pursuits are what you become; thus, wise are you and loved by the Lord when you pursue righteousness.