One of my fondest memories was attending vacation Bible school as a five-year-old. I vividly remember the day my beautiful and talented mother played the arky arky song, “Rise and Shine”, on an old upright piano. Me and the other children sat by her feet, joyfully singing along with the music. To this day, I still recall the lyrics, “The animals, they came by twosies twosies, elephants and kangaroosies, children of the Lord.”
Noah is one of the most famous characters in the Old Testament. He followed the Lord’s instructions to prepare for a massive flood by building an ark and filling it with animals two by two.
Noah was a righteous man and found favor in the eyes of the Lord. He lived a blameless life in a wicked generation. The Hebrew word for righteous is tzadik meaning to be just or upright. Noah was the same man, acting by the same standard, no matter where he went,. and we can do the same.
Today, many people live by their own standards and create their own truths that best fit their narrative. On the contrary, the people who are found righteous in God’s eyes do not adjust their identities or modify their standards to fit in with the culture. We can be like Noah by believing God’s promises, applying them to our lives, and pursuing holiness instead of sinful desires.
We must be ruthlessly honest and accountable in our walk with God. In Psalm 139: “Oh Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. Search me, O God, and know my heart; Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” David asked God to help him identify anything that would hinder him from following his instructions.
There will be times when you fail, and impediments will block your progress in living a righteous life, but do not let this deter you or stop your spiritual growth. Instead, ask the Holy Spirit to transform your heart and help you reflect him in everything you do and say.
Lord, thank you for “letting my light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Help me to know the word of God and live a life that you will acknowledge as righteous. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Today’s Challenge: What is the next step of obedience that God is calling you to take today? What does it look like for you to take a bold step of faith that goes against the culture? Invite the Holy Spirit to empower you with courage to act and a posture of rest in Jesus’ righteousness.
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