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Proverbs 21:21 (KJV) He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.

Once again this week, I heard people expanding on Paul’s statement in Romans 3:10 that there are none righteous.  Once again, I agree with that verse in the context in which it is written.  I could do no less, believing that the Bible is the word of God.  But my thinking and my understanding do not stop with that verse.  It expands into the entirety of scripture.

We are incapable in our own strength of dealing with our sin and becoming righteous.  Having said that, though, I have to deal with the continual statements through the entire scripture about how we are to live upright, holy, righteous lives.  For most of the people that I hear quoting Paul I’m not really worried.  I see them living in such a way as if they actually understood the entire scripture witness.  I see them not living like what they say implies.

My concern is with that person on the borderline who thinks that once he has prayed a set prayer, he’s good to go and nothing else will be required.  We are saved because God extends his grace toward us when we believe.  That is not a matter of putting a quarter in the machine and getting out of candy bar.  It’s a matter of going through a door and beginning a journey with the living God.

So?  Pursue righteousness.  Seek to be the same that God has declared you to be and has given you the power through the Holy Spirit to develop.