Practical Rigtheousness
Taking practical righteousness first, we will briefly consider what Scripture says on the subject. In 2 Corinthians 6:14 we notice this remarkable fact; that it is the first thing mentioned in separation from evil. It is also the very first thing that we are called to follow after, 1 Timothy 6:11, and also again in 2 Timothy 2:22. Thus on three separate occasions it occupies the first place. Nay, more, it is the first of the three things of which the Kingdom of God is said to consist practically (Rom. 14:17). In 2 Corinthians 6:7 it is generally described as the Christian’s armor, (consider this expression well), in Ephesians 6, as the breastplate, or that which protects the vital parts. Practically, it is said to give a good conscience (1 Peter 3:16), which is also of all importance. God’s eyes are over the practically righteous man (1 Peter 3:12), and that His ears are open to his cry, is seen not only here, but also in James 5:16, where the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Not in one of the passages that have been alluded to does the word righteous refer to our standing before God (or what is common to all Christians, and what each possesses in full perfection), but to the individual acts and character in which none is perfect, and no two are alike. Turning to Eph. 5, we find further that this righteousness is the fruit of the light (Eph. 5:9 JND), an important point to which we shall refer again. In 1 John 3:7, we find that Christ only, is the standard of it, and in 1 John 3:10 that it is a proof of the new birth.
Righteousness in Daily Life
Such, then, is a brief review of the way in which Scripture speaks of this quality of the new nature. In what, then, does it consist? In perfect uprightness of walk and ways. How is it obtained? By living daily in the light of God’s presence. It is the fruit of light.
Do you suppose for one moment, that the man who transacts his daily business before God, can stoop to any of the thousand tricks of trade that pervade every calling: practices that are either commonly winked at or openly allowed, but which are not according to God’s standard of right? Impossible. He must do one of two things: he must forego all such ways and buy and sell and transact his business according to the perfect light in which he stands as a Christian, or, turning his back on the light and shutting his eyes to it, he must descend to the level of this world’s morality, and allow many a thing to pass in his business life that he would shrink from allowing privately. Alas! how few are found in all things to carry out the former practically. How many dwarf their souls, check their spiritual life, and grieve their Lord by slipping into the latter. O, beloved reader, weigh for a moment your daily life as you read these pages, consider how it will all look before the judgment seat of Christ. Think not, because it may be you are not actively employed in business, that this has no voice for you. All have their temptations to unrighteousness, and often in most insidious forms. Live as Paul did, in the light of God’s presence and the nearing eternity, and do not allow yourself to stoop to any action, however advantageous to yourself, however commended and advised by false friends, which will not bear that light.
Be Righteous in All Things
It is fearful to think how many of us live in daily unrighteousness in what is called little things, and then venture to approach God in prayer and the Lord’s table at His Supper without confession. His ears are open to the cry of the righteous. Do not forget that. Nothing so arrests the attention of the world, and makes it believe in the reality, of Christianity as righteous acts that are to one’s own disadvantage. For there is no disguising the truth; “You cannot serve God and Mammon.” You will lose many a dollar, and many a good opening, if you walk strictly in practical righteousness, but in eternity I need not say who will be the gainer. If you enjoy and trust in the “grace of God” that has brought you salvation, remember and practice its lessons, and see that you live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world. Search out all the wonderful Old Testament promises made to the righteous man, and remember that you are not heir to these even spiritually, save as you walk in practical righteousness. Happy indeed, is the man who, standing before God in the righteousness which He has provided, walks before his fellow-man in that practical rectitude which can alone adorn the grace that has picked him up.
(To be continued.)