Steady Steps

Kinda-sorta may work at times: instances where there's some degree of flexibility. Other times - medical appointments or airplane flights - very little wiggle room there! The word "righteous" is used repeatedly in Proverbs 10, i.e. "The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life" (V.11a, NASB). Those who have believed in Jesus Messiah rest completely and eternally in His Righteousness - glory be to The Father! However, how does that righteousness play-our in our lives? That Hebrew word (righteous) translates: to be right or just before God in conduct and character. The Amplified Bible [translation] uses a co-word with "righteous" - the "[uncompromisingly] righteous." Jesus said, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments" (John 14:15, ESV). Jesus isn't speaking of options, a picking-and-choosing of commandments to obey, a kinda-sorta living righteously. Read God's words to Joshua as he began to lead the Israelites: "Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go." (Joshua 1:7, NASB). The instruction - turn not to the right or the left - is pretty clear, don't you think? Clearly, we are called to righteous living ... without compromise! Per God's spoke to Joshua of an uncompromising righteousness - a key principle for righteous living today. We all know even a slight turn [to the right or the left] is compromise, which we all know leads to ... more compromise. Let's pray with the psalmist (Psalm 119:133) ... steady my steps, Lord!