April 10, 2025

STRIVE FOR UPRIGHTNESS (PART 3)

Apst. Emmanuel Osezele

KEY TEXT: PHILIPPIANS 2:15 KJV: "That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world."

UPRIGHTNESS BRINGS PROMOTION: God lifts those who remain faithful and true, even in small matters. He sees every act of righteousness and will reward accordingly. Wisdom demands that one strive to be upright in all things, knowing that God is interested in anything one does and frowns upon sinful acts. “The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them” (PROVERBS 11:3).

WALKING UPRIGHTLY MEANS AVOIDING EVIL: We should stay away from bad company, dishonest gain, and sinful pleasures. Choosing righteousness keeps us from destruction. God is also interested in the company you keep as His child, He knows it will only take some time and you will be corrupted by your corrupt friends. No one is too anointed or too spiritually mature to be influenced, hence the Bible counsels us to flee every appearance of sin. “Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore” (PSALM 37:27).

UPRIGHTNESS IS PROOF OF OUR LOVE FOR GOD: When we obey God's commandments and live righteously, we show that we truly love and honor Him. Loving God is not in the amount of religious display one carries out, but how much one fears God and obeys His commandments openly and secretly. “Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart” (PSALM 119:2).

PRAYER:

Father Lord, grant me the grace to obey you in all things and to keep my garment spotless, in Jesus Christ’s mighty name. Amen.

REFLECTION:

PHILIPPIANS 2:12 KJV: "Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling."