Every born-again child of God has been given the position of righteousness in Christ Jesus (Romans 3:22). Through the finished work of the cross and the shed blood of Jesus, we have been justified and cleansed of all unrighteousness! Our responsibility, as believers, is to walk out that righteousness each day through remaining in close communion with the Lord Jesus, through His Holy Spirit, obeying God’s Word in all things. Now, if that one phrase, “Obeying God’s Word in all things”, seems a little daunting – it is – when we try to do it in our own strength. In fact, it’s an impossibility without the help of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Where do we start? Well, Jesus said this in John 15:7, “If you live in Me [abide vitally united to Me] and My words remain in you and continue to live in your hearts, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you.” The key place to start is the key place to continue in! Cultivating an intimate, love relationship with Jesus, and filling your heart and mind with His Word. The more we take time to fellowship with the Lord and meditate on the truth of His Word, the more we become established in righteousness! The Word we welcome into our hearts and lives enriches and transforms us as the Holy Spirit makes it alive inside us! We literally fall in love with the Lord and His ways over and over again! This automatically gives rise to the fruit, or character of the Holy Spirit in us! We begin to overflow with His joy and peace and every other wonderful trait of His nature! This living righteously is not based on being obedient through fear of falling short or disappointing the Lord and forfeiting His grace. It is based on us deliberately surrendering every part of our lives to Him as we exchange our weakness and shortcomings for His supernatural, empowering grace! When we forsake what is evil and cling to what is good, we will not be moved or swayed by any obstacle that comes our way. Instead, we become established in His righteousness, far from oppression or fear! Abide in Jesus, have His Words remain in you as you follow His instructions – and you will not be shaken or moved from your secure position of faith in Him.