The Character of Righteousness
Hallelujah! Happy is the person who fears the Lord, taking great delight in his commands.
Psalm 112:1 (CSB)
A person's character reflects the condition of their heart. Those who are driven by their desires embody the nature of those desires. In contrast, individuals who have a relationship with Christ aim to mirror Him and embody righteousness. Psalm 112 outlines seven truths about the character of a person living righteously. Although we still struggle to embody these traits and are not yet perfect, they serve as important goals for us to pursue.
Fear the Lord. The foundation of a righteous character starts with a genuine fear of the Lord. This fear manifests when we acknowledge the Lord's greatness, holiness, and glory in contrast to our unholy state. When we possess a proper fear of the Lord, we find joy and delight in serving Him by obeying His commands and striving to follow His Word.
Loyalty to the Lord. The righteous character fosters unwavering faith and obedience to the Lord. This enduring nature shows that we stand firm in our faith despite various pressures and temptations. The Psalmist declares that the true believer's "righteousness endures forever." Therefore, we should strive to embody our faith in every aspect of life.
Hope in Darkness. The Psalmist recognized that darkness pervades our lives due to sin. However, the Psalmist also observed that light can shine even in dark times. This idea emphasizes the need to discover hope even when we are engulfed by darkness. By living righteously, we can access this light, as our hope is grounded not in circumstances but in our faith in Jesus, the light of the world. Therefore, we can maintain hope despite the darkness.
Living Harmoniously with Others. The Psalmist emphasized that the righteous strive for a life of righteousness not only before the Lord but also with one another. He highlighted the importance of graciousness, compassion, and righteousness in our interactions. As followers of Christ, we must embody a spirit of unity, engaging with others through grace, driven by compassion, and grounded in righteousness. Our relationship with the Lord should inspire and guide how we relate to others.
Live With a Steady Heart. The Psalmist recognized the significance of maintaining a steady heart, which builds life on the foundation of the Lord. He understood that true health arises only from a life crafted by the Lord. Therefore, it's essential to realize that the security we seek in confronting the challenges and temptations of this world is not found in the foundations we create but solely exists in the life shaped by the Lord on the foundation of Christ. If you wish for a steady heart, the Lord must be the sole architect and builder of your life.
Trust In The Eternal Victory. The Psalmist reminds his audience of the Lord's promise of perseverance and everlasting victory. This call challenges us to understand that the eternal triumph essential for life is not achieved by our efforts but is granted through the work of Christ alone. The assurance of eternal victory signifies that no one can dismantle what the Lord has established, allowing us to have faith in the realization of this promise due to the Lord's faithful character.
Recognize the Presence of Opposition. The Psalmist concluded the Psalm with the acknowledgment that those against the Lord will oppose His followers. This acknowledgment comes with the understanding that the necessary righteousness to overcome these enemies is found solely in the Lord. When we live for the Lord, the world will not appreciate what we stand for. They will oppose us and try to silence us. We know the Lord's presence and promises as we confront these enemies.
Psalm 112 presents us with a significant challenge to live righteously. We must strive to obey and reflect the character of righteousness from the Lord. When considering your life, do you live with certainty in the Lord, or are you tossed and turned because you rely on the wrong sources to shape your character?
QUESTIONS
What does it mean to fear the Lord and delight in His commands according to this passage?
How does Psalm 112 describe the relationship between righteousness and blessings?
