From the day we become a Christian, we begin our Christian life. A Christian life is a life that is lived for Christ. This is achievable only when the Scripture is our road map, spiritual food, protection and our bright light in spiritual darkness. When we live such a Christian life based upon the Scripture, we become more and more godly, and less and less wicked. Is this an impossibility? It is impossible if Christ is not inside but still outside our heart. But if Christ is truly in our heart, it is definite that we are on the way to godliness. There is no other way we can be godly; and we will remain wicked in the eyes of God, not so much by what we do, but by who we are.

We are warned by Solomon in Proverbs 15:9: “The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.” All who are outside Christ may refrain from any form of wickedness or evil and they may even do much good. However, this will only be seen as righteous in men’s eyes and opinion. But before God, this kind of righteousness is still the way of the wicked and therefore looked upon as an abomination to God. Whatever good and righteousness that wicked men may portray, they are as filthy rags and unacceptable to God. Does it bother you whether what you do is an abomination or is pleasing to God?

Ask yourself: whose view matters most to you? God’s or men’s? If we are still outside Christ, we will not be bothered at all with how God views us. But we know that we are in Christ, and therefore we are concerned with how God looks at us. And the reason we are concerned is because we now have a restored relationship with God. In the past, because of sin, our relationship with God is broken. In fact, God’s wrath burns against us because of our sins. And so we thank God that all His condemnation and burning wrath against us are completely removed because of our faith in Christ.

Since we now have a renewed relationship with God and a new life in Christ that He has empowered us with, we must live for Him. What kind of life are we to live for Him? We are to “… follow after righteousness.” This righteousness is the righteousness of the Law and the same righteousness which our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ obtained for us by obeying the same Law perfectly. Believers can now obey the Law as God’s redeemed people. Being saved, we now follow the Law happily and lovingly. God wants us to live for Him as His happy people. Our happiness is not based upon the circumstances of life, but upon the satisfaction that Christ has filled our heart with the love of God. How can we not live, obey His Word and follow His righteousness until the end? May God help us. Amen.