Hope of Righteousness

 For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness.      –  Galatians 5:5

The careful and loving leading of the Holy Spirit is what makes a follower of Christ different from those who do not believe. Through that leadership, God will shape and mold the life of a believer into Christ’s likeness and righteousness. Another way to describe righteousness is to do what pleases God in your thoughts and actions. While no one will reach a completely righteous state on this earth, there is great hope in God’s promises for those who desire to please Him. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied” (Matthew 5:6). 

Righteousness cannot be achieved by your natural self, as you have likely noticed in your attempts to do what is right or kind. However, because Jesus took your sin and became your righteousness, God gives you power, through the Holy Spirit, to yield yourself to Him. “For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith” (1 John 5:4). Over time, through God’s transforming power, you will see your natural inclinations increasingly shift away from serving self to pleasing God = righteousness! What a great hope for your future! 

Pray for America’s citizens to carefully consider those seeking leadership positions during this nation’s election season. Seek to support candidates who appear to consider Godly values in their positions on important issues. Pray for your chosen candidates to submit themselves further to the Holy Spirit and ask God to bless their efforts as they work for the nation.