“Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor,” Proverbs 21:21 ESV. The zealous pursuit of righteousness has the potential to turn us into self-righteous judges of others. That is, unless our pursuit of righteousness is balanced with kindness. If we pursue righteousness AND kindness, we can not only be righteous, we will be honored, and we will “find life.” A life lived in prudish judgmentalism is lonely and sour. A life lived in a pursuit of righteousness embodied in love and kindness is a life of happiness and appreciated by others. “And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people, And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” Acts 2:46-47 ESV. LORD, teach me to be joyfully righteous and filled with kindness.
A serious pursuit of godliness requires an equally serious renunciation of worldliness. Too often, we measure spirituality with false scales. While being wisely selective with our public vices we are less so with our private attitudes and perspectives. In reality, it is the thoughts and intents of the heart where the greatest battles must be waged; our actions will ultimately align with the condition of our hearts. Lord God, You know me inside out, You are not fooled by human facades. Plow my heart with Your Word and Spirit and leave nothing unturned. Refresh my inward man that I may outwardly glorify You in all places at all times.
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