How can we avoid becoming "a dwelling place of righteousness" in name only? Setting the Scene “ ‘May the LORD bless you, O righteous dwelling, O holy mountain.’ ” (Jeremiah 31:23) God promised that Jerusalem would again be called a “righteous dwelling.” The title is glorious, yet Israel’s history shows how easy it is to wear such a name while drifting into compromise. The same danger faces any believer or congregation today. The Risk of Having the Name Without the Reality • Respectable reputation can mask hidden sin (Revelation 3:1). • External religion may continue long after love for the Lord cools (Isaiah 29:13). • Once complacency settles in, even blatant disobedience feels normal (Jeremiah 7:4-10). Four Ongoing Commitments That Keep Us Genuine 1. Pursue wholehearted repentance. • True restoration began when Judah turned back to God (Jeremiah 31:18-19). • “Return to Me, and I will return to you” (Malachi 3:7). 2. Treasure God’s presence above every activity. • “In Him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:22). • Make room for unhurried worship, Scripture, and obedience—never letting programs replace intimacy. 3. Keep Scripture central and obey it promptly. • “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:22). • Measure success by faithfulness to the Word, not by numbers, trends, or applause. 4. Walk in visible, sacrificial love. • “Let us not love with words or speech but with action and in truth” (1 John 3:18). • Righteousness becomes tangible when the hungry are fed, forgiveness is offered, and purity is guarded (Matthew 5:16). Daily Practices That Guard Against Hollow Identity • Self-examination: invite the Spirit to search motives (Psalm 139:23-24). • Accountability: trusted believers who confront and encourage (Hebrews 3:13). • Generous confession: keep short accounts with God and people (1 John 1:9). • Serving in secret: cultivate deeds known only to the Father (Matthew 6:3-4). • Remembering the Cross: regular communion with Christ’s sacrifice prevents pride (Galatians 6:14). Encouragement for the Journey God does not merely label His people; He indwells them. As we repent quickly, honor His Word, and love sacrificially, the title “righteous dwelling” becomes more than a name—it becomes the unmistakable reality of His presence among us. |
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