The scepter of God’s Kingdom is righteousness, which means He rules in righteousness (see Hebrews 1:8). It is in His righteousness that we have confidence with God. It has nothing to do with dead works based upon self-righteousness. Rather, our confidence stands firm in Christ Jesus Who is our Righteousness (see 2Corinthians 5:21). There are benefits to righteousness, but before any of us can truly benefit from it, we must understand that righteousness will ever be in Christ Jesus, period! Romans 5:17 For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by One, Jesus Christ (KJV). The Father expressed His love to us by giving us the gift of righteousness through His Son that we might stand upright before Him (see Romans 5:8). That leads to the first benefit: reconciliation with God. As a result, we also gain sonship and that means relationship. That means God is our Father. He is our Abba (Daddy, see Romans 8:14-17).
All things that pertain to life come through righteousness. Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you (see verses 25-34, KJV). While we may never own a mansion on the earth (though, some might), there is a mansion waiting for each of us in heaven (see John 14:2). While many who are rich in faith may not enjoy all the various foods available, they will have what they need. Nevertheless, some might taste what many consider to be the food of the rich. Whatever the Father provides, the righteous enjoy. That means we must allow Him to decide what we need. However, keep in mind that He loves to bless His children, so do not be ashamed if you have more than enough. Be grateful and understand He has purposes behind it. Purpose is another study in of itself; yet know that one of His purposes is simply to express His Love. Remember as well that having just enough does not make one less righteous than another, nor are we home yet.
God blesses the righteous and His favor surrounds them. Psalms 5:12 For Thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield (KJV). God’s favor is not fair, especially since you cannot earn it; it is inherited. All we have to do as believers is receive it and walk in it.
God gives wisdom to the righteous. Proverbs 2:7 He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: He is a buckler to them that walk uprightly (KJV). Sound wisdom comes from above and we access that wisdom through Jesus. God so wants us to have wisdom that He made it available through Him just for the asking. When you call on the Name of Jesus, you actually call for Wisdom from heaven as you do. 1 Corinthians 1:30 But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, Who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption (KJV). Worldly wisdom will not do. 1 Corinthians 3:18-19 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness (KJV). At some point, worldly wisdom will fail a person. It will no longer work in his life; therefore, the wisest thing to do is call on Jesus. James 3:14-17 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy (KJV).
Psalms 34:17, 19 The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all (KJV). God hears the prayers of the righteous and is an ever present Help in their time of need.
Righteousness produces peace. James 3:18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace (see Hebrews 12:11, KJV). One of the fastest ways to lose peace is to forsake righteousness. If you are experiencing stress, fear, anxiety, frustration and the like, ask yourself if you have been walking in the ways of the world or in the ways of the Lord.
Righteousness is received by faith. There are many more benefits than we have space to name here. It is good to love what God loves, and He loves righteousness. If you ignore righteousness, you may also forgo many blessings. So often the answers we have need of in life begins with righteousness. Instead of chasing after your “needs,” chase Jesus! After all, He is all we need.
