Declare, & Live Righteousness! By Major Frank Materu
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Key Scripture:
"Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people."
• Proverbs 14:34 (KJV)
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Introduction
In a generation marred by wickedness and corruption, God has called and chosen His people to be warriors for righteousness. As believers, we are not meant to live according to the ways of the world but to stand firm, declare, and live the righteousness of God every day. This calling is urgent, for the nation and the world are sinking into sin, and it is the responsibility of the righteous to lead the way to repentance. We are called to be the salt and light of the earth, not blending in with the darkness but shining brightly for all to see.
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The Call to Stand for Righteousness
"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid."
• Matthew 5:14 (KJV)
As followers of Christ, we are meant to be a beacon of righteousness in a world filled with darkness. We are not called to conform to the world’s standards, which are often driven by pride, greed, and corruption. Instead, we are called to be warriors for righteousness, standing boldly and declaring the truth of God’s Word. This is not merely about our personal salvation but about leading others to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Our lives must be a testimony of God's holiness, showing others the way to live rightly before Him.
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The Consequences of Failing to Declare Righteousness
"If the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men."
• Matthew 5:13 (KJV)
When the people of God fail to stand for righteousness, they lose their impact in the world. The church and its leaders are called to be examples of godliness, but many have become complacent, focused on self-gain, and indifferent to the spiritual condition of others. The result is a lost generation, raised without the knowledge of right and wrong, and a world that grows more wicked by the day. This spiritual negligence has eternal consequences, as many are led astray into sin and destruction.
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The Role of Righteous Leaders
"The righteous are bold as a lion."
• Proverbs 28:1 (KJV)
Righteous leadership is crucial in this time of moral decay. Leaders who are filled with pride and corruption, obsessed with power and self-glorification, lead their nations into ruin. These leaders are not only spiritually bankrupt but have allowed demonic influences to take hold, furthering the destruction of their nations. However, true righteous leaders, those who follow God’s commands, are bold and unashamed to declare His truth. They are not swayed by the pressures of the world but are committed to God’s will and to bringing others into the light of righteousness.
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The War for Righteousness
"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."
• Ephesians 6:12 (KJV)
We are in a spiritual war, and the battle is for the souls of men, women, and children. The forces of evil are working tirelessly to deceive and destroy, but God has called us to be warriors for righteousness. This war is not fought with physical weapons but with the power of prayer, the proclamation of the gospel, and a life lived in holiness. True warriors for righteousness are led by the Holy Spirit, always ready to take action, declaring the eternal truth of God's kingdom and rescuing the perishing.
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Living a Life of Righteousness
"But the righteous shall live by his faith."
• Habakkuk 2:4 (KJV)
Living a life of righteousness is not just about outward actions but about an inward transformation. The righteous live by faith, trusting in God’s Word and His promises. This faith compels them to live according to God’s will, to pursue holiness, and to declare His righteousness in every area of their lives. As we live in obedience to God, we reflect His nature to the world around us, drawing others to Him.
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Summary
In a world filled with sin and wickedness, God has called His people to be warriors for righteousness. We are not to be conformed to the world but to stand firm, declare, and live in the righteousness of God. The failure of believers to live and declare righteousness has devastating consequences, both for individuals and for nations. True leaders, both spiritual and secular, must be bold in proclaiming God’s truth, standing against the forces of darkness. The battle for righteousness is ongoing, and we are called to be part of it, fighting for the souls of humanity through prayer, evangelism, and living lives of holiness.
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Conclusion
God has chosen us to be His representatives in this dark world. We are called to declare righteousness and live according to His Word, standing against the forces of evil that seek to destroy. The responsibility is great, but the rewards are eternal. As we live in righteousness, we become agents of change in a world that desperately needs the light of Christ.
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Call to Action
Stand firm in your faith. Declare the righteousness of God in every area of your life. Do not be ashamed to speak the truth, even when the world around you rejects it. Be a warrior for righteousness, fighting against the darkness with the light of the gospel. Live a life that reflects God’s holiness, and lead others to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
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Final Word of Encouragement
Remember, the battle for righteousness is not easy, but God has equipped you with everything you need. Be bold, be strong, and remain faithful. As you live out your calling as a warrior for righteousness, know that you are part of a much greater kingdom, and your labor is not in vain. Keep pressing forward, for the eternal rewards are worth the fight.
