Walk the path of righteousness. Five simple things to do for getting closer to God

We all desire to walk righteously and try to lead a blameless life in the eyes of God. We do know that the righteous will inherit the Kingdom of God. Moreover, we read that God blesses the righteous. For it says in Psalm 5:12, “For surely, O Lord, you bless the righteous”. We also read in Psalm 34 :15, “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous”.

Yes, we will reap God’s blessings when we lead a righteous life. However, as we travel in this earthly life, how do we know we are leading a righteous life and making God happy? What kind of a righteous life does God want from us?

Several verses in the Bible show us the path of righteousness. The scripture clearly gives a framework for leading a righteous life. Among many others, here are few simple things to do for living a life pleasing to God. It calls for our actions and behaviors.

Five simple things to do for getting closer to God

Do not lie

When I was a teenager, I read somewhere that only someone who is not bold enough to face a person or a situation will tell lies. Likewise, I was told that we need to fear only God and not people. I have always taken these to heart and follow it. I feel that I need not fear anyone except God. In fact, I would rather speak the truth and take the blame than lie. The scripture clearly says, “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful” Proverbs 12:22. Leviticus 19: 11 says “Do not lie, Do not deceive one another”.

What are the blessings of being truthful? “They will speak no lies, nor will deceit be found in their mouths. They will eat and lie down and no one will make them afraid” Zephaniah 3:13. Therefore, refrain from uttering lies.

Do not refuse to help the needy

We find several verses on helping the poor and the needy. Proverbs 3: 28 says, “Do not say to your neighbor, come back later, I’ll give it tomorrow, when you now have it with you”. “He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God” Proverbs 14:31. “He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward him for what he has done” Proverbs 19:17. “The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern” Proverbs 29: 7. Therefore, as the scripture says, Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap” Luke 6: 38

Fear the Lord

Do not fear anything worldly. After all, we are passing clouds in this earthly journey. Fear about our health, finances, career, relationships, children, or old age is merely temporary. Therefore, let us not fear and give space for the devil. I know! It is easier to say than doing. On the other hand, fear for the Lord brings abundant blessings. For it says in Proverbs 14: 26, “He who fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge”. Seek God’s favor and love every day. “But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children” Psalm 103: 17. “Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who finds great delight in his commands” Psalm 112: 1.

Have faith and do not worry

We see how Jesus appreciates those who have faith in him. We see in Mark 5: 34, Jesus says, “Your faith has healed you”. Again in Luke 17 : 19, he says, “… your faith has made you well”. Luke 5: 20, “When Jesus saw their faith, he said, Friend, your sins are forgiven”. Jesus was ready to heal and forgive sins of people who had faith. In Luke 7: 9 we read, “When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel”.

At the same time, he is astonished by people’s lack of faith too. It says in Mark 6: 6, “And he was amazed at their lack of faith”. Hence, do not worry about anything but place your trust in the amazing power of our Lord Jesus. Remember, “And without faith it is impossible to please God” Hebrews 11: 6

Do not walk in the path of the wicked

One of the important counsels we read in several places in the bible is about not crossing the path of the wicked. Psalm 1 :1 says, “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked”. We read in Proverbs 4 : 14, “Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil men”. “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common?” 2 Corinthians 6: 14. Walk in the righteous path and blessings will pour on you. As it says in Isaiah 32 : 17, “The fruit of righteousness will be peace, the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever”.

Let us walk in the light. Let us try to be righteous in the eyes of the Lord.

Stay Blessed!