The Construct of Righteousness
by Dawn Okrasinski
Monday - 6.7.21
A new word came to mind. I mean, I knew what the word was, I’ve used it in a sentence correctly over the years, but I didn’t really grasp the significance it holds today until it showed up in a different place. The word was “Influencer”. Bloggers to Grandmas are influencing trends as they sway culture, popular thinking, and cash in on the new way to advertise products. I was somewhat amazed and even a little appalled, but soon landed on a site marketing the top Christian woman influencers of 2020. I read, I shopped, I became inspired.
Paul was an “Influencer” of his time. Without even setting foot in Rome, he grew a church on the testimony and witnessing of Romans he preached to in Corinth and Phillipa. Those apostles became his social media, taking his message back to a city, which was at the time, the center of the world. There, Paul’s gospel preached a message to Jews and Gentiles who were conflicted with each other and themselves.
While the good news was contradictory and powerful, it also brought hope to a people who were lost and disenfranchised. Probably at first, it was too simplistic to be taken seriously. The Hebrew doctrine called out a necessary framework of law and tradition, practiced faithfully, to connect and be worthy of God. This new epistle stated the righteousness of God could be theirs by faith alone, not by works. One was not righteous by law, or custom or tradition. Identity based on any of these guidelines, was of little use to those who wished to be considered righteous in the eyes of God. Imagine what it took to change the minds of the masses? Were they skeptical? Relieved? Maybe they needed more to be convinced.
Paul proved his argument to a Hebrew nation when he presented their own cultural backstory in a new light. Abraham, the father of a chosen people, was deemed righteous by God simply through his trust in God. Genesis 15:6 NIV Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness. Paul brought his point home when it was established that this righteousness happened long before any law requiring circumcision. Over time, a wandering tribe of Gentiles and Jews, finally came home and built a church unified by faith. Matt 12:21 (NIV) In his name the nations will put their hope.
After 42 years of practicing a doctrine that called out worth via works, I too hungered for value in the eyes of God. Debating my belief that I had to earn this relationship, two coworkers presented me with a study Bible. Sitting on either side of me, they witnessed the same message Paul sent in his letter to the Romans. It seemed too simple. Just faith? What about fasting, sacrifice and ritual? Wait… My deep faith and belief in Jesus Christ dying to save me and bring us to everlasting life, was enough? I, like the original audience, struggled to taste the sweetness of salvation based on belief.
We as saved Christians are influencers every day with the power to change a culture. We have opportunity to bring Kingdom to the masses through our unity, our relationships, and our call to disciple wherever we may land. Our church’s foundation is built on the sacrifice of one for the redemption of many. The strength and stability of our church increases in direct proportion to the depth of our faith and our relationship with God. So, Believer, who will you encourage and influence in faith today?
Reflection:
Prayer and reflect on the following scriptures this week. Share those scriptures that strengthen you with others.
Luke 7:5-6 (NIV) The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our Faith!” Jesus replied, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.”
Ephesians 2:8-9 (GNB) For it is by God’s grace that you have been saved through faith. It is not the result of your own efforts, but God’s gift, so that no one can boast about it.
Hebrews: 11:1 (NIV) Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
Luke 5:10 (NIV) Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.”
Call to Action:
Faith Inventory: After reflection and prayer, journal the strength of your faith and trust over the last year.
Do you need some shoring up?
What are some ways you can let go of bondage and trust more?
Disciple Inventory:
How do you bring Kingdom to the people around you? Dedicate time this season to hear God’s call.
What type of disciple are you? As you disciple to others, share with other Christians to strengthen and inspire them.
