The Call to Righteousness: Living in Right Standing with God By: Major. Frank Materu
Introduction
In a world where religion often takes the center stage, it is important to distinguish between being religious and being righteous.
The Scriptures call us to live in right standing with God, but many people are distracted by religious practices and pride, unaware that they may be far from His true will.
This article reflects on how Jesus, throughout His ministry, emphasized the need for repentance and humility, rather than relying on religion and self-righteousness.
Religion vs. Righteousness
When Jesus walked on earth, His strongest rebukes were aimed at the religious leaders of His time.
Their pride and self-importance were evident, and they had become blind to the truth.
They had built an identity based on outward rituals, but their hearts were far from God.
Jesus saw their religious practices as a form of arrogance, preventing them from truly seeking God.
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness.” Matthew 23:27(NKJV)
Religiosity often becomes a veil over the truth, leading people to believe that external acts can substitute for true spiritual transformation.
But God calls us to seek righteousness — a pure heart that is in right standing with Him.
The Danger of Religious Pride
Religious pride is a form of spiritual blindness that makes people feel self-sufficient and complacent.
The Pharisees and scribes believed that their works made them righteous, yet they were distant from the very God they claimed to serve.
Similarly, today’s religious culture can become a platform for personal glory rather than a pursuit of God’s will.
The danger is that many become comfortable in their self-declared righteousness while ignoring the call to repentance and change.
“But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him.
For the Lord sees not as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.'”
1 Samuel 16:7(NKJV)
The Call to Repentance
The message of repentance is central to the Gospel.
Repentance is not just an act but a posture of the heart that acknowledges one’s shortcomings and turns back to God.
Jesus came to call sinners to repentance, not to praise those who prided themselves on their outward religious observances.
In God’s eyes, repentance is the key to transformation and a right relationship with Him.
“I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Luke 5:32 (NKJV)
Repentance is not just a one-time act but a continual return to God, seeking His forgiveness and striving to align one’s life with His will.
It is through this humble acknowledgment of one’s dependence on God that true righteousness is cultivated.
A Distorted Sense of Prosperity
In today’s world, many people equate prosperity with God’s favor.
However, the Bible teaches that true prosperity is found in obedience to God, not in worldly success or wealth.
Those who rely on their own strength, pride, and achievements may appear prosperous, but they are spiritually bankrupt.
True prosperity is a heart that is rich in faith, humility, and service to God.
“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Mark 8:36 (NKJV)
The call is clear: do not be envious of the wicked who appear to prosper but live without regard for God.
Instead, be content with what God provides and seek His kingdom first.
The Importance of Humility and Obedience
The path to righteousness requires humility and obedience.
We must be willing to set aside our own ways, surrender our pride, and follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
God is not impressed by outward show, but by the sincerity of our hearts and our willingness to submit to His will.
True righteousness is found in a life of humble service, seeking God’s will above our own.
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.” James 4:10 (NIV)
In a world that celebrates self-promotion, the call to humility may seem counterintuitive, yet it is the key to living in right standing with God.
When we seek His will over our own, we align ourselves with His purpose, and He is faithful to provide for all our needs.
Conclusion
As we reflect on the words of Jesus and the wisdom of the Scriptures, it becomes clear that God is not concerned with outward religious rituals or self-righteousness.
What He desires is a heart that is humble, repentant, and willing to follow His guidance.
In a time when many have strayed from God, it is crucial to remember that true righteousness comes through repentance and surrender to His will.
Let us seek righteousness, not religion, and trust in God to provide what we truly need, day by day.
“For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayer.” 1 Peter 3:12 (NIV)
May we, as His people, be ever guided by His Spirit, living in humility, obedience, and righteousness before God.
