The Lighthouse Devotional (Nov 28–Dec 04, 2021)
Author: a WLCN Contributor
“God’s Way – The Right Way”
SCRIPTURE VERSE
“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people” (Prov 14:34 NIV)
PERSONAL REFLECTION
This Scripture verse seems so simple that some may feel it hardly needs explanation. If a nation or people live according to God’s law, it will prosper and stand; however, it will experience confusion, chaos, decline, and condemnation if it does otherwise. The essence of this verse is also true for families and individuals. Perhaps, you can think of examples of countries, families, or individuals to which or whom this verse applies. Let us pause for a moment and reflect on its truth.
SCRIPTURE REFLECTION
This verse invites us to look at the impact of righteousness (i.e., right action and being in the right relationship with God) on the one hand, and unrighteousness on the other, on a nation, a family, or an individual. If we follow the right way—i.e., the practice of righteousness, which is God’s way—it produces the right results and leads us to the correct destination of being exalted and not being condemned by God. The Bible provides us with examples of what happens in either instance. God’s people were victorious when they pursued righteousness by obeying Him (cf. Josh 6, 8; 2 Kgs 18–19). On the other hand, quite the opposite happened when they fell into unrighteousness (cf. Josh 7; 2 Kgs 17; Judg 2:10–23). In the New Testament, Paul reminds us that “there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom 8:1)—i.e., for those who follow the path of righteousness that God reveals through His Son, Jesus.
EXHORTATION
Let us, therefore, ensure that we remain on the right path, not allowing unrighteousness to establish itself in our homes and in our private and public institutions, which is a deeply troubling trend, the consequences of which we are witnessing around us today. Let us follow Joshua’s example and commit ourselves to follow God’s way—i.e., the way of righteousness (Josh 24:15).
PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, we thank You for Your Word, which instructs us in how we should live, i.e., the practice of righteousness. Help us follow Your way and reap Your resulting blessings. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.