April 8, 2025

STRIVE FOR UPRIGHTNESS (PART 1)

Apst. Emmanuel Osezele

KEY TEXT: Job 33:3 KJV: "My words shall be of the uprightness of my heart: and my lips shall utter knowledge clearly."

UPRIGHTNESS: This is doing what is right even when no one is watching. It is about being honest, fair, and faithful in everything we do. God loves those who walk in uprightness because it shows that they fear Him and trust Him. “He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known” (PROVERBS 10:9).

GOD BLESSES THOSE WHO LIVE UPRIGHTLY: When we choose to do the right thing, even when it is difficult, or unpopular, God rewards us with peace, protection, and favor. Being upright means living to please God all the time, and being able to live peaceably with people. “For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly” (PSALM 84:11).

BEING UPRIGHT MEANS TELLING THE TRUTH AT ALL TIMES: Lies may seem to help for a while, but it brings shame and destruction at the later end. The truth will always set us free. Being a person that stands for the truth, and says the truth all the time is a painful, but gainful life to live and only those that truly live in God and are upright can live such a lifestyle. “Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight” (PROVERBS 12:22).

PRAYER:

Father Lord, have mercy on me if my ways have not been upright in your sight. Forgive me of all my wrongdoings, and grant me the grace for uprightness, in Jesus Christ’s mighty name. Amen.

REFLECTION:

Isaiah 57:2 KJV: "He shall enter into peace: they shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his uprightness.”