Pastor Tricia's Ramblings

In a world filled with confusion and uncertainty, it can be overwhelming to decipher what is expected of us—especially in our walk with God. I’ve recently experienced this feeling of paralysis when faced with a significant project for my final class. The instructions seemed unclear, and I found myself stuck, unsure of which direction to take. Many of us can relate to this feeling of being confused and discouraged, particularly when it comes to fulfilling God’s expectations.

The Weight of Uncertainty

When we lack clarity about the Lord’s expectations, we can find ourselves feeling disarmed and hesitant. John 16:7-8 reminds us that the Holy Spirit has been sent to guide us in understanding what is right. That divine direction is crucial; without it, we may feel lost in our journey of righteousness. But what do we do when we feel overwhelmed by this uncertainty?

Practicing Righteousness

Romans 5:1 tells us, “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” This peace is foundational, for it reassures us that our righteousness is not based on our merit but on Christ’s righteousness alone. Psalm 133 illustrates the weight of our sins—left unwashed, they mean certain death, but in Christ, we find our lifeline.
It is essential to recognize that while we are justified by faith, this faith must be alive—it must bear fruit. John 14:15 challenges us to consider our love for Christ. “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” This is the crux of what it means to live righteously; it’s not merely about external actions or ticking boxes, but about living from a heart that loves God.

The Source of Our Righteousness

It’s crucial to understand that our righteousness should exceed that of the Pharisees, who followed the law meticulously yet often betrayed a hard heart. Righteous actions like reading the Bible, tithing, and serving others are essential, but if our hearts aren’t aligned with God, these works lack significance. God is deeply concerned with both our internal motivations and external actions.
The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in this journey. He doesn’t leave us to navigate this path alone; instead, He empowers us to make decisions that honor God and lead us into righteousness. As our helper, He equips us to perform good works that are pleasing to the Father.

Living Out Our Righteousness

Since we’ve received the righteousness of Christ and are declared righteous, it’s our responsibility to learn how to live this truth out in our daily lives. It’s through this righteous living that the world sees Christ in us. We begin to embody the values of His kingdom, demonstrating love, justice, and mercy in practical ways.
Ultimately, doing the right thing begins with understanding that our righteousness is based solely on Christ’s righteousness. By relying on the Holy Spirit and keeping our hearts aligned with God’s will, we can confidently navigate the uncertainty of our lives and fulfill the expectations set before us as imitators of Christ.
Let us commit to living out this righteousness for the world to witness, bringing glory to God through our actions and intentions. In God’s clarity and strength, we find the courage to do what is right, and in doing so, we bless others and fulfill our purpose in Him.