Righteousness...a word that is not stressed enough. But what does it mean? Righteousness is actually a word that implies "right positioning."To be righteous means to be in ALIGNMENT with AUTHORITY; to be in right standing with authority or to have correct fellowship with authority.
In other words, righteousness describes the relationship one has with authority and the benefits/privileges received as a result of that righteous relationship.
Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Jesus said you can RECEIVE all these "things" if you seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. (proper positioning in Him)
What things?
- Physical needs
- Social needs
- Emotional needs
- Psychological needs
- Financial needs
- Security needs
- Even your self-significance, self-worth & purpose
From this one verse God speaks of two priorities...the KINGDOM of GOD and the RIGHTEOUSNESS of GOD.
- Kingdom refers to the governing influence of Heaven on earth.
- Righteousness refers to right alignment and positioning with that authority.
Are you walking in alignment to authority?
The principle of righteousness is so clear in this first that it mandates each of us to consider our positioning. If we are not positioned under authority then we are out of alignment to God's protocol.
On this side of eternity, God chooses to use "delegated authority" to lead His body towards His kingdom. Thus, you have have leaders in the body of Christ who are submitted to Christ, the head, and followers likewise who are submitted to that leader.
Choosing to position yourself under the authority of your leader places you directly in line to receive "THESE THINGS" (Matthew 6:33). This is a choice each of us make everyday. When we make the right choice we become recipients of God's blessings in our lives. Those blessings show up in multiple ways!
However, if we choose to remain out of alignment to God's delegated authority in our life then we not only hinder our ability to receive blessings but we also distort God's image to the world. God is a blesser and it brings Him great pleasure to bless His children. Yet, He cannot bless a mess! His very Word prevents Him from condoning rebellion, manipulation, obstinacy and even disobedience.
1 Samuel 15:23 "For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king."
The world then looks at our fragmented life and receives a distorted image of who our God is. We make God look like He's a cheapskate or insensitive to our needs and stingy with His blessings. Our "out of alignment" to His authority pushes us out of the umbrella of supernatural covering.
God can't cover what won't come under.
God wants to bless His family! He is so good! he wants to share all His goodness and all He has with us, because He loves us. God's will for us is good!
Let me encourage you today to remain ALIGNED in proper positioning (Righteousness) and see grace work overflowingly in your life.