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“Righteousness exalts a nation,
But sin is a reproach to any people.”
Proverbs 14:34 New King James Version
According to Strong’s Concordance, Righteousness (as used in this passage of scripture) can be:
Abstract by doing what is right;
Subjective by having morally correct behavior or thinking;
Objective in the idea that people are to be treated impartially, fairly, correctly, and reasonably by the law and those who uphold it;
Moral in the sense of showing high moral standards;
Figurative in the sense of being prosperous.
Each of these definitions is a lesson in itself, but this study focuses on a nation.
As a nation, each of them plays a crucial role in building up, protecting, and guarding its people.
For example, you exhibit righteousness when you do what is right (according to Biblical principles).
Correct behavior is prompted by moral thinking, which promotes doing the right thing.
Holding to the idea of fair, impartial treatment by (anyone) in authority will cause you to have righteous thoughts toward people.
When you possess high standards, you are more likely to use what you have to help those in need.
However, sin is the opposite of these definitions and brings reproach.
Reproach lacks goodness, kindness, and mercy.
The Message Bible puts it this way,
“God-devotion makes a country strong; God-avoidance leaves people weak.”
Proverbs 14:34 The Message
America is in a state of God-avoidance, and the growing evidence is overwhelming.
Violence and hatred are climbing at alarming rates. Murders, attempted murders, and suicides are seen in news headlines almost daily.
The situation calls the righteous to bow down and cry to God for deliverance.
Just as righteousness exalts a nation, righteous leaders lead the nation into righteousness.
The Wisdom of Solomon in the Old Testament book of Proverbs tells us:
“A good leader motivates, doesn’t mislead, doesn’t exploit.
God cares about honesty in the workplace; your business is his business.
Good leaders abhor wrongdoing of all kinds; sound leadership has a moral foundation.
Good leaders cultivate honest speech; they love advisors who tell them the truth.
An intemperate leader wreaks havoc in lives; you’re smart to stay clear of someone like that.
Good-tempered leaders invigorate lives; they’re like spring rain and sunshine.”
Proverbs 16:10-15
The Message [underline added for emphasis]
The prayers of the righteous must be for exemplary leaders because they won’t exploit or mislead.
They will fight against all kinds of wrongdoing because they operate from a moral foundation.
Righteous leaders will seek out and speak the truth, encouraging the people.
If you are a Christ-follower, you understand that repentance is a given, for God cannot be involved without it.
But with forgiveness, his (God’s) word works as his people cry out to him.
America (and the world) needs righteous people crying out to God for forgiveness and righteous leaders to restore “God-devotion” to this country.
Without it, America spirals into the abyss of moral decay and confusion.
Jesus taught his disciples (and us) to pray this way.
“The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They’re full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God.
Don’t fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need.
With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply. Like this:
Our Father in heaven, Reveal who you are.
Set the world right; Do what’s best – as above, so below.
Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You’re in charge!
You can do anything you want! You’re ablaze in beauty!
Yes. Yes. Yes.”
Matthew 6:7-13 The Message
Jesus says, Father, reveal who you are.
Anytime in scripture that God was revealed, people fell to their knees or ran away.
Set the world right—as above, so below.
As the creator of the world, God knows what is best for it.
Keep us alive.
This is not a prayer that is prayed in heaven; only those alive on earth can pray it.
Keep us forgiven.
The righteous (not self-righteous) will pray this prayer.
Keep us safe.
Sometimes, we can be our worst enemies. However, sometimes, the devil does his part, and the righteous can rest in God to protect them as they pray.
A simple prayer (as Jesus said) for the righteous to pray.
It is my prayer that the Lord strengthen, comfort, and encourage you as you stand for him, in Jesus name.
A close personal relationship with the Godhead provides you a living hope. It is a living anticipation full of expectation of something good happening.
A close personal relationship with the Godhead is a journey. I invite you to follow along. As I learn, I will pass it along so you, too, can learn. I hope that as you learn, you can pass it along so that I (and others) might learn.
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