Philippians 4:4-9
Verse 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
The third word on our list is a bit tricky. Right means a few different things to us. It can mean a direction or it can mean correct but Paul has more in mind when he uses the word in this verse. When he says “right” he is talking about something which is innocent and holy. Paul had an understanding of what was innocent in God’s eyes, it is what He views as righteousness.
Righteousness has been said to be in a right standing with God but what exactly does it mean to be in a right standing with the God of the universe? There is no way we can be pure and innocent before Him, sin has too big a part of our lives. No matter how hard we try we will never be able to be good enough on our own to stand in His presence.
Jesus came to earth because we could never be sinless, our earthly natures don’t allow for that, He needed to make a pure and innocent sacrifice which would wash away our sinfulness when the Father looks at us. His righteousness has been applied to those of us He has chosen to redeem. In our sins we wouldn’t know we needed a clear relationship with God and so He made a way for it to happen for us without our effort.
We can’t make ourselves righteous but that should never keep us from thinking about righteousness. Christ alone is righteous and so to focus our thinking on righteousness is focusing on Him, His innocence and justice. It is natural to head towards what we are focused on. A driver who is watching the scenery as they pass is more likely to leave their lane towards what they are admiring. The same can be said for our spiritual nature. When we are focused on Him, we will naturally draw nearer to Him.
If we are wanting to think about the things of righteousness as Paul was desiring his readers to do, our thoughts need to be focused on Jesus and His righteousness. He is wholly pure, there is no spot in Him. His innocence isn’t a naiveté but rather a purity of heart and mind.
Making It Personal
How often are your thoughts on righteousness? Where does your thinking need to be righted? When was the last time you really thought about what Jesus did for you on the cross?
Making It Personal Kids
What do you think righteousness looks like? What is the opposite of righteousness? How can you know Jesus is righteous?
Closing Prayer
Father, there is no one like You, You alone are righteous. Help us look to You and see ourselves in the light of Your righteousness. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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