“Righteousness over Rightness”
“Righteousness over Rightness”
On June 24, 2022 the world was watching and waiting. For those who believe in the sanctity of life, it was a historic day of celebration. For those who do not, it was a day of anger, sadness, and confusion. After nearly 50 years, Roe v. Wade was finally struck down. There were public displays of worship, exuberant praise, and prayer. There were also screaming protesters vowing revenge. Satanists even showed up to interrupt prayers and one celebration. One thing is certain, the battle is far from over; but victory is the Lord’s.
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A few weeks ago I spoke with Pastor Gary Frost about racial reconciliation. As we discussed the matter, he said something that struck me. Even though our talk was about racial healing, I feel this is so relevant for the church, who now face the “Post-Roe” aftermath.
“We need to pursue righteousness over rightness. It’s possible for believers to address what’s right, but in an unrighteous way.”
My son and I had very long talks after Roe was struck down. He was very saddened and shocked over the number of people, Christians included, who were angry about the outcome.
He couldn’t understand why people won’t see abortion for what it truly is.
His sadness became anger, and although it started as righteous anger, judgment soon affected his tone and words.
Biblically and morally abortion is wrong. It is murder of a pre-born child and there is no way around that. Women’s healthcare is the greatest lie that has deceived and continues to deceive pro-choice women whether Christian or unsaved. The “choice” ideology appeals to the emotions of women. I explained to my son that somewhere along the line, they believed the lie and it has become a deeply rooted stronghold.
Dave Kubal recently wrote a wonderful piece about this, that you can read at Reversing the Stronghold of Roe.
I made it clear to my son that “pro choice people are not our enemies, nor should we condemn women who’ve had abortions.” This war is a spiritual one and the devil is raging.
For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. (Eph 6:12)
We can address what’s right (abortion), but in an unrighteous way (condemnation and shaming). Frost said, “The obsession with rightness is rooted in self-centeredness and pride.
Although we know the truth about abortion, it never gives us the right to condemn those who don’t believe what God says or those who choose abortions. We don’t need rightness. We need righteousness.
Frost describes it this way, “Righteousness is an expression of Holy Spirit. It is about justice, love, forgiveness, mercy, grace, and all the dynamics of the cross.”
Many of these women who have marched for abortion have probably felt condemned at some point by Christians.
I know several Jesus-loving women who have had abortions in the past, and they struggle finding forgiveness. They condemn themselves even when no one else is.
Someone I know once said to me many years after multiple abortions, “I just hope that God will forgive me for what I did to my kids.- not a day goes by that I don’t regret it.” As I looked up her eyes were glossy and welling up, her voice was cracking, I felt her pain. It was here that I just hugged her and let her cry. When she stopped, I prayed with her and told her about Jesus and the forgiveness he offers to all who will call upon His name.
Rightness will keep us focused on ourselves. Rightness encourages an us versus them narrative. Righteousness is about the Lord, and focuses our eyes on Him.
Although Roe has been struck down, there is so much to pray about. There is still so much work to be done. Let’s not want to win the argument so badly for rightness’ sake that we lose sight of the person before us. Let’s pursue righteousness because it is the kingdom of God.
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (Rom 14:17)
Because of this great victory, we can expect warfare in this nation, and against us, to increase, but we need not fear.
Although I do not know what to expect, I’m expecting! I believe that because Roe has been overturned, that there is a great opportunity to bring forth the greatest harvest of souls we’ve ever seen.
Rightness (pride and self-centeredness) will not get us there. Yes, we’ll win a few arguments, but we will lose eternally. Righteousness (justice, love, mercy, forgiveness, and grace) will guide us into the harvest. We won’t care about winning the argument, because we will be busy winning souls!
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise. (Prv 11:30)
Let’s use every opportunity to pursue righteousness over rightness in the coming days.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. (Mt 5:6)
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Mt 6:33)
But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. (1 Tm 6:11)
Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. (Eph 4:22-24)
Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor. (Prv 22:22)
Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people. (Prv 14:34)
Hunger for righteousness, seek His righteousness, pursue righteousness, and put on righteousness. These are actions we can take. It is what God expects from us as his children. You are the righteousness of God in Christ.
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Cor 5:21)
Let’s pray,
Father, we glorify and praise you for what you’ve done in our nation. We celebrate with heaven right now in the verdict of Roe v. Wade being overturned. Give us wisdom in the coming days. We expect retaliation as the enemy is raging, but victory belongs You!
We humble ourselves and lay down our need to be right. We seek Your righteousness instead. In the face of backlash, hatred, and rage in the continuing battle for life, we choose to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, and gentleness. We choose to seek Your kingdom and righteousness above everything else.
Let me see every person as You do. When I stand in the gap in prayer, give me Your heart for them. Give me Your words to speak to them. As an intercessor, I will not walk, talk, or pray in the same spirit as the world. I will walk, talk, and pray in the opposite as Your Spirit leads me. Give me eyes to see, ears to hear, and heart to understand you fully. I want to be in alignment with You and what you want to do in this nation next.
I thank You, Lord, that through these coming times will be rough, there is a door of opportunity to share Your love and truth with the hurting.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
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Comments
AMEN Lord! Totally agree with the words and fierce tenderness in this prayer and article. Todah Poppa God, TODAH!
Many young adults’ hearts are full of hate.
This is demonstrated through the riots against the law, police, adults, etc.
The change must come from the children at this time.
We must go forward by teaching our children:
A baby conceived in love will not be aborted.
yes, I so agree – righteousness must guide me, not my human need or want to be “right.” Oh Lord, may I be a stepping stone, (to You) not a stumbling block. To do that, I have to lay down – help me to lay down my pride, my desires, my will, my need to be right – to lay it all down at Your feet, so that people can use me as a stepping stone in the gap to get to You. Stepping stones lay down in the gap and pray! Let the gaps in our nation be filled with prayer as the stepping stones cry out from their appointed places of service to You. Thank You, Lord, for the privilege of being a praying stepping stone. http://www.mtothe5th.wordpress.com
Beautiful word picture Barbara, Lord we ask for courage and humility to be stepping stones…to You
Thank you so much for this perspective! It is so needed. A reminder that we must pursue righteousness (Justice, love, mercy, forgiveness and grace!) more than being ‘right’. To show the love of Jesus to others, especially those who are so afraid and angry right now, is so needed. May God help us care with His heart as we stand for life. And pray not against people, but against spiritual forces.
This is a good word Gloria. As I sit here before taking my place on the “prayer wall,” I am reading your prayer again. “As an intercessor… I will pray as Your Spirit leads me. Give me … a heart to understand you fully. I want to be in alignment with You and what you want to do…” Thank you for this and may God bless you in His abundance today and everyday.
Thank you for this reminder…I appreciate your focus on love and humility.
Abortion is not stopped by this ruling, it is transferred to the States. We need to continue to fight at the state level and not give up. Yes it is a Spiritual battle. Not for the ruling in each state but for the change in each heart. Change the hear and change the person.
“Not for the ruling in each state but for the change in each heart. ” Amen!
Thank you for this article and the prayer guide. The Norfolk Virginia CPC was vandalized 6/28. Please pray for the safety of clients, staff and volunteers. I truly believe and see that the crisis pregnancy centers will be needed now more than ever. Abortion is still legal here in Virginia through the 9th month. Please pray in the midst of this spiritual battle that the Lord will have mercy and abortion will be eradicated nationwide.
The key is to be led by the LORD! The truth often hurts! As JESUS always tells truth, so must we! FATHER GOD give us words to speak as we help those in darkness come out into YOUR Light in JESUS NAME!