Christianese 101. David S. Smith

or act; a righteous retribution.

      A person that is righteous is a person that just does the right thing. Often times this is where a term like righteous gets confusing. Socially and culturally, there is no longer a universally accepted definition of right and wrong. Passages of scripture such as Ezekiel 18 are prime examples of rules defined for a people in light of culture, but also endure the test of time. Verses 15-17 of The Message interpretation say a righteous man:

      “doesn’t eat at the pagan shrines,

      doesn’t worship the popular idols of Israel,

      doesn’t seduce his neighbor’s spouse,

      doesn’t bully anyone,

      doesn’t refuse to loan money,

      doesn’t steal,

      doesn’t refuse food to the hungry,

      doesn’t refuse to give clothes to the ill-clad,

      doesn’t live by impulse and greed,

      doesn’t exploit the poor.

      He does what I say; he performs my laws and lives by my statutes.”

      Some things are debatable based on the situation. Some things are just . . . wrong.

      In your pursuit of righteousness, I would like for you to consider this list. Remember this list and realize the bible speaks of a standard that has endured the test of time. Believers in Christ should pursue righteous lives, not for the purposes of pride or arrogance, but so they can positively influence those around them for the Glory of God.

      Prayer: Lord God, help me remember your rules and desires for my life. As I live my life help me to make decisions that you would say are right. Help me be righteous. It may be difficult at times but I want to do it for you. For your glory Lord. Amen.

      Scripture: Ezekiel 18; Romans 3:10

      Covenant

      An agreement, usually formal, between two or more persons to do or not do something specified.

      Promises. We all make them. Most times we intend to keep them. When we cannot or do not follow through on our promise it does not necessarily mean we are being dishonest with ourselves or the other party. It does, however, mean that we are well intended but unable to do what we said we would do.

      Covenants are akin to promises. God is often found in scripture requesting things of us and promising something in return. When Israel found themselves in troublesome situations they were often reassured by God with words similar to this: “I will be your God and you will be my people”. (Exodus 6:7; Leviticus 26:12; Jeremiah 30:22) The promise of God is communicated to the people of Israel in a way that requires them to have faith so that God could be who God said God would be. Other times the requirement on our part is trust (Proverbs 3:5), obedience (Deuteronomy 28:1), and commitment (Joshua 24:14). This is by no means an exhaustive list. It is just compiled to help paint the picture of what we are required to do in response to God’s covenant with us.

      Some times the response God asks for is one that we just cannot give. We want to keep our end of the bargain, but we become weak. God knew that would happen and was so faithful to ensure the covenant would not be broken, God allowed someone else to do what we could not do. Whenever we break the contract, or fail to live up to our end of the covenant, remember these simple yet powerful words from an old hymn. . . “Jesus paid it all”. God loves us so much that God covered our inability through the sacrifice of Jesus on The Cross. What you can’t—or sometimes just won’t—do was already done for you. What a wonderful savior!

      Prayer: God, thank you so much for the promise that you made to us to always be our God and for us to always be your people. Thank you for the provision you made through Jesus where even when we can’t or won’t be faithful to the covenant made, you are still willing to accept us because of Christ’s sacrifice. Today we commit ourselves to following you again. We will do our best, and where we know we will fall short, we ask for your help and hand to intervene and make us stronger than we think we can be. Make us more like you. In Jesus name, amen.

      Scripture: Exodus 6; Leviticus 26; Jeremiah 30; Proverbs 3:5; Deuteronomy 28:1; Joshua 24:14

      Holy

      Specially recognized as or declared sacred by religious use or authority.

      The word holy—or holiness—is intimidating. It is often considered as a word only ascribed to God or things that God has blessed. Churches are holy. People that hold special positions in religious service, such as pastors and priests, are holy. God is holy. Though this is true, it is an incomplete contextualization of the word and concept.