The concluding part of Jesus teaching on the kingdom implied that the kingdom is an exciting treasure that can change our whole life. He had earlier stated: “The righteous will shine like sun in the kingdom of their father.” You may ask what really is righteousness? It is the God-given ability to stand in his presence without any sense of guilt, condemnation, shame, or unworthiness and to stand in the presence of Satan without any sense of inferiority, weakness, fear, or cowardice. The righteous are those who serve God and live in such a way that he approves. They live according to the word of God, doing his will. The question is: Are we walking in the way of righteousness? It is the plan of God for us, to live in righteousness. But note this, to shine in the kingdom of our Father we must first shine like lights in this world. Jesus says in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven”. 

PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, I desire to live for you; I hunger and thirst for righteousness. Mould and fashion me to live pleasing you. Amen.