Six

Righteousness works. The bible outlines G-ds standard of perfection. The old testament outlines both a socio-political order for the specific culture of the time (the Ancient Hebrews) as well as a master list of laws form living. From money to cleanliness to diet to interpersonal interaction. Yeshua further defines these laws, taking them beyond action and challenging them down the the heart of every individual. THeology aside for a moment, the laws of G-d and Yeshua work. Not even in a miraculous way, necessarily. Man age your money according to biblical rules and It will grow. Righteous parenting rears godly children, G-d Centered ideology brings strong culture. G-d’s laws lead logically to beneficial results.

Yet the bible is more than a pragmatic rulebook. Many evangelical leaders look at the bible with such rosy glasses on, and produce lists and collections of pragmatic ideals that ignore the sinful reality of the world. “Ten steps to a better family”. “G-d’s way to get wealthy.” “Defeat seven stresses that cause your unhealthiness”. “The 49 words of Christ that lead to success.” Scripture never promises success and prosperity. In fact Yeshua said “In this world you will have problems.” THis pragmatic view of christianity leads to many of the false converts in the world. They are taught to believe that if they live a certain way then bad things wont happen, but this just isn’t true.

Yes, if the world followed the righteousness of scripture, then there would be no bad things, but the world actively rejects righteousness. Even if we could all put on a facade and act godly for a day, evil is bound up in the heart of a man. Men dislike righteousness so they moralize the ideas of abortion, banning prayer in schools, Self esteem, homosexuality, and the unbiblical construction of family.

Christians are commanded to walk in righteousness and be perfect. But it is more than a command. Evil is bound up in the heart of a man. Even after redemption, repentance and salvation, every christian still does evil. Remember that no amount of righteousness can earn the perfect approval of G-d because there is still evil inside that brings about that element of imperfection. We will never be righteous enough to earn the easy life that righteousness would bring. We will never be perfect enough to earn salvation. It is not possible.

See, being striving for righteounsess for these reasons are inherently self serving. “I am holy so I will be saved,” or “So I will be prosperous.” Such righteousness is only further tainted by evil selfish desire. Instead, the Christian should pursue righteousness out of a hatred for evil. We see that our evil causes the hardships of the world. We see that id causes separation from the only source of good; the perfect G-d of heaven. The repentant believer turns from sin out of love and desire for the Savior, and Hatred of the sin that killed that Savior and is killing this world.