Influence

Proverbs 14:34 (KJV) Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.

I have often heard this quoted.  Usually it is to contrast the direction in which our country is going.  There is little evidence that righteousness is in demand today.  Maybe it is because we don’t understand the word.

We, or at least I, tend to equate righteousness with morality.  That is not a bad comparison but it goes deeper than that.  One of the roots of the word has to do with justice and judging.  It refers to the rule of law.  What that means is that the rules are agreed to ahead of time and applied equally to all people. 

If you look at countries that have had long term prosperity you will find the concept of the rule of law.  If you look at countries that are currently chaotic and broken down you see elites living in incredible wealth and the masses being manipulated without regard to justice.

So?  In this area you need the personal application in your own life and a political influence that goes beyond being politically correct and demands a blind justice.  Most of our influence will be in our families but you never know how God can use your obedience.