Young people! We Must Live by God's Righteousness, Not by Our Own Ideas
In a world that constantly bombards us with individualistic ideas, where self-expression and personal truth are often elevated above all else, there's a powerful and liberating truth for young people found in God's Word: we are called to live by God's righteousness, not by our own ideas. This isn't about stifling your individuality, but about finding your true self in alignment with your Creator. Today, we'll delve into why relinquishing our own notions of "right" and embracing God's standard of righteousness is the pathway to true life and purpose.
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1. Our Life No Longer Belongs to Us: It Belongs to Christ (Galatians 2:20)
"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
This foundational truth is paramount for young believers. When you accept Christ, you undergo a radical transformation. Your old self, with its independent will and self-serving desires, has been crucified with Him. Now, Christ lives in you! This means the young person who truly belongs to Christ abandons their own will and begins to live according to God's direction. It's a joyful surrender, not a loss, recognizing that His plan for your life is infinitely better than your own.
2. The Righteousness That Pleases God Comes Through Faith, Not Through Human Works (Philippians 3:9)
"...and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith."
This verse speaks to the heart of our justification. No matter how good our intentions, no matter how sincere our efforts, no personal idea or human effort can ever replace the perfect righteousness that comes only through faith in Jesus Christ. God is not pleased with our attempts to earn His favor through our own "goodness." True righteousness is a gift, freely given by God through Christ, and it is the only basis upon which we can stand before Him.
3. Living by One's Own Righteousness Is Living in Deception (Proverbs 14:12)
"There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death."
This proverb is a stark warning. Our own ideas of what is "right" or "good" can be incredibly deceptive. What seems logical, popular, or even beneficial from a human perspective can, in the end, lead to destruction. Human ideas, unchecked by divine truth, may appear right but often diverge from God's perfect will. Only God's Word, His unchanging standard of righteousness, truly shows the path to life and avoids deception.
4. God Is Not Pleased with a Proud and Independent Faith (Hebrews 10:38)
"And, 'But my righteous one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back.'"
This verse, quoting Habakkuk, emphasizes that "the righteous will live by faith." A faith that is rooted in self-righteousness, pride, or independence from God's leading is ultimately displeasing to Him. Such self-reliance can lead to "shrinking back" from God's purposes. God's justice calls us to humility and obedience, acknowledging our need for Him in every step of our journey.
5. We Must Reject Confidence in Our Own Ability (Proverbs 3:5)
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding."
Young people are constantly challenged to rely on their own intelligence, their own opinions, and their own abilities. But to live by God's righteousness requires a conscious rejection of confidence in our own understanding. It means wholeheartedly trusting in the Lord, recognizing that His divine direction is always superior to personal opinions or fleeting trends. This is a foundational principle for living a life aligned with God's will.
6. Christ Is the Model and Source of True Righteousness (Romans 8:4)
"in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit."
The goal is not to try harder to fulfill the law in our own strength, but to allow Christ to be the model and source of true righteousness in us. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, young people are guided to live justly, not by their own efforts, but in accordance with God's will. The Spirit empowers us to fulfill the righteous requirements of the law by living a Spirit-led life, reflecting Christ's character.
7. God's Righteousness Shapes Character, Decisions, and Future (Matthew 6:33)
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
This pivotal verse assures us that when we prioritize seeking God's Kingdom and His righteousness, our lives are profoundly transformed. Those who live by the justice of God have their character shaped, their decisions guided, and their future sustained in all areas. It's a promise of holistic provision and guidance, demonstrating that aligning with God's perfect standard leads to a truly abundant and purposeful life.
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Conclusion:
Young people, the call to live by God's righteousness, not your own ideas, is a call to freedom, authenticity, and ultimate fulfillment. It means acknowledging that your life belongs to Christ, receiving righteousness through faith, discerning truth from deception, humbly submitting to God, rejecting self-reliance, allowing Christ to be your model and source, and prioritizing His Kingdom above all else.
May you courageously choose to live by God's perfect standard, allowing His righteousness to shape every decision, every desire, and every aspiration. For in doing so, you will discover the true purpose and joy that only comes from walking in alignment with your Creator. Amen.
