The Bible often talks about righteousness. Sounds hard. But it simply means living right. To change we need to live “right.”
Matthew 5:20 ESV For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”
The scribes and Pharisees had righteousness in an outward way but their hearts were evil. This verse says that a higher standard is needed. They followed “Their doctrine” instead of fearing God and striving to have a pure mind and heart. Consider praying:
“Father, I repent of how I live. Please show me how to increase in purity.”
2 Timothy 2:22 ESV So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.”
Consider praying often: “Father, help me to flee youthful passions.”
Second, if we don’t pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace often enough we will get ourselves in trouble. Consider praying:
“Father, help me to have a goal of righteousness.”
Matthew 5:6 ESV “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”
Sounds like we don’t need _______ anymore if we hunger and thirst for righteousness.
Today consider making two goals. #1 How many times will you commit to reading Matthew 5:6 until it is about memorized? #2 How many times per day will you commit to praying about pursuing righteousness?
Finally, pursue righteousness, and be filled. A filled person needs no habits.
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