Righteousness Protects
by Annie Yorty ©2022
I recently shared how righteousness restores hope. But God’s righteousness has many additional facets and functions. The Bible also says that righteousness protects us.
Queen Elizabeth II
I’ve never been much of a fan of royalty, or any celebrity for that matter. This week, though, no one can escape the flurry of news coverage for Queen Elizabeth’s death at age ninety-six. Her remarkable monarchy impacted the world for seven decades.
At age twenty-one, the queen dedicated her entire future to serving her country. That is, by all accounts, exactly what she did. Her apolitical role demanded she work to unify her citizens through times of joy and strife. Stoicism and quiet faith were the queen’s hallmarks.
I remember when Queen Elizabeth’s family erupted into public turmoil and scandal some years ago. Sympathy turned against her as people harshly judged her treatment of Princess Diana.
How would you have responded?
I would have been tempted to grab the first microphone and spew my side of the story.
But not the queen. Rather than jumping into the fray, rather than defending herself, Queen Elizabeth simply exhibited a kind and gracious attitude. The public never heard her side of the story.
Have you ever been in a situation like that? One where you felt unfairly maligned?
How Righteousness Protects Us
If you have acted righteously by following God’s standards, then you possess a weapon.
We use the weapons of righteousness in the right hand for attack and the left hand for defense. We serve God whether people honor us or despise us, whether they slander us or praise us. We are honest, but they call us impostors (2 Corinthians 6:7b-8 NLT).
When you please God, He gives you a weapon to battle the judgments of others. No, it’s not your mouth. It’s not your strength either. Instead, we wield God’s righteousness in both hands—we’re all in—with one attacking and the other defending.
What does that battle look like in real life? Apostle Paul gives a clue in the preceding verse.
We prove ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, by the Holy Spirit within us, and by our sincere love. We faithfully preach the truth. God’s power is working in us (2 Corinthians 6:6-7a NLT).
Continue in the power of the Holy Spirit to say and do the right thing despite what others say and do. When we have God’s righteousness covering both offense and defense, anything of our own we add will undermine its coverage. If we grasp our own feeble weapons, we must necessarily drop God’s superior provisions.
When you please God, He gives you a weapon to battle the judgments of others. Click To TweetI must add a caveat to paint a better picture of righteousness. God’s righteousness must first cover you through salvation by faith in Christ. You must repent of your sins and surrender your will to His to add the weapon of righteousness to your arsenal. As you move forward wholeheartedly following God’s commands, God’s righteousness continues to wrap you in protection. You can read more by clicking Steps to Peace with God.
The Blessing of Righteousness
Jesus’ blessing spoken 2,000 years ago reminds us today to consider two facts about God’s righteousness.
God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs (Matthew 5:10 NLT).
First, we will be persecuted when we please God by doing what is right. Second, God rewards those who practice righteousness with citizenship in the Kingdom of Heaven.
I have no idea what went on behind the scenes in England’s palace, so I’m not judging anyone’s righteousness. That’s God’s business.
But I wonder if I could display more of the queen’s quiet confidence in God’s righteousness for full-coverage, unwavering protection.
Join the conversation about how righteousness protects us:
In what ways have you experienced the protection of God’s righteousness?
I welcome your comments!
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12 Comments
J.D. Wininger
Your words caused me to think back to times when I was unfairly judged or treated and I simply “let it slide”. I thought others when I was clearly being baited into a heated argument and I chose to hold my tongue and walk away. In some of those cases, I actually congratulated myself for my constraint and self-control. I lament that fact that in those days, I didn’t recognize it was not my power to do those things, but God’s that was working through me. Great post Ms. Annie! Well said author!
Annie Yorty
Thank you, J.D. You’re a true encourager, and I know that comes from God too!
Katherine Pasour
Like most of us, I have been unjustly accused of something and never had the opportunity to defend myself. I know I never could have gotten through it without God’s help. I love this sentence in you message and it’s a goal I want to strive for too–to have: “quiet confidence in God’s righteousness for full-coverage, unwavering protection.” Thank you, Annie.
Annie Yorty
Yes, Katherine, He’s the source of our ability to stand firm. Thanks for adding to the conversation.
Nancy E. Head
Too many times, I felt like it was my responsibility to “protect my testimony” when it was really my pride that was wounded. God is better at defending me. He’s all I need.
Annie Yorty
We come up with all kinds of excuses to cover up pride, don’t we? God is so patient and eminently reliable. Praise Him! Thanks for visiting, Nancy.
Barbara Latta
It is so easy to jump to conclusions when we hear something, especially on the news media. We never get both sides of any story and the truth is covered up unless we can find a non-biased outlet. Thanks for this call to pull in the reins on our attitudes when we are tempted to jump into the fray and judge another person.
Annie Yorty
So true, Barbara. I’m thankful we have the Way, Truth, and Life to guide us through murky waters. Thanks for visiting and commenting!
Jeannie Waters
Annie, your strong message explains our need for righteousness well. I appreciate this reminder: “No, it’s not your mouth. It’s not your strength either. Instead, we wield God’s righteousness in both hands—we’re all in—with one attacking and the other defending.” Not only do we want to please God, but we need His protection.
Annie Yorty
Yes, Jeannie, our battle is not against flesh and blood–people. It’s a spiritual battle, so we need spiritual weapons. Thank you for visiting and adding to the conversation.
Jennifer
My husband is Welsh and has never been a fan of the royals but he watched every moment of the events. He held respect for her because of her faith. Staying quiet and following Gods guidance when falsely accused is not easy, but what a great place to be as God as our defender.
Annie Yorty
Thanks for your comments, Jennifer. I never thought much about British royalty, but in this time of mourning I’ve learned a lot that I respect. Blessings!