On Guard Duty

(Proverbs 13:6 KJV)  Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner.

When it comes to “righteousness” (6666) some people teach that it is just a dream meant for heaven.  You hear them quoting,

(Isaiah 64:6 KJV)  But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

They seem to think that this verse trumps the other 156 times the word is used in the Old Testament.  If we cannot be righteous, what is the point of this verse?

Righteousness is a gift, given by God through grace and the work of the Holy Spirit.  It is also a way of living in response to that gift.  It is a set of daily choices determined by the free will God has given us by the work of that spirit.  Without Him it can’t happen.  Without our willing cooperation it won’t happen.

So?  Be alert today.  Be alert all day.  You are on sentry duty and have an eternity to protect.