J O H N W. M O O R E

'SEEK RIGHTEOUSNESS'

All Christians are to arm themselves with the breastplate of righteousness. (Eph. 6:14) Paul told Timothy to flee immorality and covetousness and "follow after righteousness." (I Tim. 6:11) Solomon reveals that "righteousness exalts a nation." (Prov. 14:34) Jesus proclaimed that all must "seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness." (Matt. 6:33) Christ also spoke of the intensity our seeking should exhibit when he said "hunger and thirst after righteousness." (Matt. 5:6) But, what exactly is righteousness?

Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words (p. 298) defines righteousness as "the sum and total requirements of the will of God." Thus, righteousness emanates and proceeds out of the mouth of God. Further, the Bible is its own best commentary, and it defines righteousness as all the commandments of God (Psa. 119:172).

Therefore, we must arm ourselves, follow after, seek first, hunger and thirst for, and exalt ourselves with the Word of God. The message is clear; we must be ardent, diligent, fervent, and serious students of God's Word, for therein is His righteousness revealed (Rom. 1:17). "Search the scriptures" for God's "word is true from the beginning: and everyone of His righteous judgments endureth forever." (John 5:39; Psa. 119:160, respectively) "Everyone that doeth righteousness is born of God" and "he that worketh righteousness is accepted with Him." (I John 2:29; Acts 10:35, respectively) Study the Book! "Seek ye out the book of the Lord and read" (Isa. 34:16); "Be ye doers of the word." (Jas. 2) Then, you will have filled your life with righteousness.