Righteousness

May 8

Judges 12-14

Psalm 57:1-6

Proverbs 13:5-6

Luke 22:47-71

Righteousness

“A righteous man hates a lying word, but a wicked man acts odiously and is humiliated.  Righteousness guards the one whose way is blameless, but wickedness subverts the sinner.”  Proverbs 13:5-6 LSB

I believe 2025 is the year of exposure.  Everywhere we turn lies are being exposed.  In the political realm we are finding out about government fraud, waste and abuse, coverups, backroom deals, and abuse of power.  I was already convinced these things were going on in Washington, but I am honestly shocked by the details that are coming to light.  It is horrifying to know how much of our hard-earned money has been wasted or used on things I am absolutely opposed to.  But even more alarming are the lies and abuses being exposed in the church.  There have been several high-profile pastors and ministry leaders in churches across the country that have been indicted this year for sexual abuse of minors.  In addition, there have been several churches and religious organizations that have been exposed for using donations to the ministry to fund extravagant lifestyles for their ministers.  Everywhere we turn more corruption is being uncovered and more lies are being revealed.  In John 8:44, Jesus reveals the origin of lies, “You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father.  He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him.  Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” LSB   God hates lies.  There are numerous verses throughout Scripture that speak of His hatred of a lying tongue, a false witness, and those who deceive others.  God delights in truth. 

Honesty and integrity have always been very important characteristics for me in relationships, but the older I get the more I absolutely hate lying.  I have found myself rejoicing over the truth that is being revealed in the last several months and praying that God would shine the light on evil in every form.  While God certainly hates the evil in the world, it is not surprising that unbelievers behave like unbelievers.  The evil being exposed in the church, however, is inexcusable and must grieve God’s heart.  We are watching as the wicked act repulsively and are being humiliated.  As believer’s we must be characterized by righteousness and integrity.  Righteousness serves as a guard over our lives protecting us from the dangers of evil while wickedness exposes us to harm and steals our peace and joy.  God will not allow evil to go unchecked forever.  He is exposing the lies and bringing light to the darkness.