4 Actions of a Righteous Person

It is easy to point out the actions of an unrighteous person, isn't it? It is easy for me to see the sins of others and ignore my own.

But in pointing out sins -- theirs or mine -- I am focusing on the negative. How do I focus on the positive? How do I see the actions of a righteous man?

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One benefit of a small church is that everyone knows everyone else. The youth group that served as the backdrop to the drama of my salvation consisted of the pastor, four boys, and me. The deaconesses served in the kitchen, in various ways, and the women's group served the missionaries, and many women served in both. The older women were addressed as "Miss So-and-so" and acted as mentors in a way that I miss in my present church family.

Miss Betty was one of these ladies. She had beautiful reddish hair pulled up in a "ratt," I think it was called. It was a device first used in Liberty Rolls of the 40s; you'd roll your hair around the foam tube and then secure it with pins. Her kitchen was the most comfortable place I have ever been, hands down, because of the love and grace offered as freely as the tea. Even the chastisement of this young Christian was as soft as a pillowed landing.

To ask myself what righteousness looks like, I have only to think of Miss Betty or Miss Miriam or the others, many of whom have gone on the glory.

David has some insight into what righteousness looks like, too. In Psalm 5: 11-12 he lists four characteristics of the righteous man.

1. The Righteous Person takes refuge in God. The world is a crazy place, unpredictable and frightening. There is evil all around. Even just normal circumstances can throw us down, but with God we won't be out for the count.

2. The Righteous Person sings for joy. We can't all lead worship from the stage, and many of us shouldn't try! But if our voices recite the wonderful works of God and the praise He is due, then it is a beautiful song.

3. The Righteous Person loves the name of God. Now, this is something I need to think and study more about, and if anyone has insights, please share in the comments. But the Bible says it and therefore it is true: those who love Your name may exult in You. vs. 11

4. The Righteous Person exults God. To exult God is to raise Him up with the worship and praise He is due. To exult God is to rejoice exceedingly, to show or feel triumphant joy. The original Latin even implies leaping for joy!

The Miss Bettys of this world have taught me much about what it means to be a godly woman. I want to be such an example. I want to be a Righteous Woman.