According to the Oxford dictionary, the definition of good is “that which is morally right.” But then, in the error of the human mind, secondary meaning is also given: “Righteousness.” We will immediately seek scriptural evidence that humanity’s definition of good does not come close to God’s definition of righteousness. No our standards of good does not equal Jesus’ definition of good, which is righteousness.
The Christian asking daily for the anointing of the Holy Spirit, praying several times throughout the day and night, studying the Scriptures, asking God’s will to be revealed, and living a faith-based life demonstrates the desire for Jesus to abide within. They demonstrate a human effort to which God’s Divine power is given, producing daily spiritual growth. And to stay on the narrow Path of Righteousness which is the life-long process of Sanctification.
Sanctification is growing daily to possess the Character of Christ. And for our diligence, we are granted the Omnipotent spiritual help to live according to God’s standards, surpassing our definition of “good.”
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
Are we going to mess up? Yes, from Adam and Eve to the present, humanity will sin. That’s why Jesus gave the blood sacrifice of His death for the redemption of sin. Again in human error, we take advantage of the Plan of Redemption. Many of today’s Christians are abusing God’s grace. They have become apathetic, only giving God less than their best.
Every day, we desperately need help! If it was easy to live righteously, we would not need the daily Divine Intervention of our Spiritual Team–God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the angels.
How do we know that we are living according to God’s standards of Good-Righteousness? “For the Scriptures say, ‘You must be holy because I am holy'” (1 Peter 1:16).
Faith is the foundation of righteousness. God tells us, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).
Our Daily Commitment
- “He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will” (Matthew 26:39). Through prayer, we seek God’s will for our lives daily.
- “So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then” (1 Peter 1:14). Since we are fighting to overcome learned behaviors, hereditary traits, and the love of pleasure, we conform by obeying God in every aspect of our lives.
- “But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy” (1 Peter 1:15). Yes, the sinful worldliness has caused us to compromise “Holiness.” Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal if the people you hang out with and places and things you enjoy, glorify God.
Our thoughts, behaviors, and actions indicate if we are serving God and living holy. Peter, the boisterous, big-mouth, show-off disciple, is the Apostle Peter who wrote the books of 1st and 2nd Peter in the Bible.
The Apostle Paul admonishes us, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things” (Philippians 4:8).
And James speaks of one of our biggest problems, “If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless” (James 1:26).
“The lips should be sanctified, that the words spoken may be few and well-chosen.” E.G.White
Our spiritual journey is not impossible or overwhelming. Pray for Divine help! When we think of having all of heaven on our side to live righteously, we should jump for joy by praising God for His Goodness.
Prayer: God, we thank You for loving us beyond our comprehension. Yes, we desperately need Your help. We pray for the anointing of the Holy Spirit to give us wisdom and discernment to reveal the people, places, and things that are preventing us from living holy. Thank You, Jesus, for Your great love that caused You to die for us. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You! In Jesus’ Worthy Name, we pray. Amen.
Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions 