How can believers promote righteousness in a world resembling Ezekiel 7:23's description? Setting the Scene: Ezekiel’s Warning “Forge the chain, for the land is full of crimes of bloodshed, and the city is full of violence.” (Ezekiel 7:23) Ezekiel looked at a society soaked in injustice and impending judgment. Today’s headlines echo the same: violence, corruption, and disregard for God’s moral order. Scripture does not leave believers without guidance; it shows how to shine light in such darkness. God’s Heart for Righteousness • Proverbs 14:34—“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.” • Micah 6:8—“He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” • 1 Peter 2:12—“Conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that... they may see your good deeds and glorify God...” Foundational Commitments • Absolute confidence in Scripture: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16) • Personal holiness precedes public influence: “Be holy, because I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:16) Practical Ways to Promote Righteousness 1. Consistent Personal Integrity – Refuse compromise in speech, finance, sexuality, and relationships. – “The one who walks in integrity will be kept safe.” (Proverbs 10:9) 2. Active Peacemaking – Step into conflicts to restore rather than inflame. – “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9) 3. Public Witness through Good Works – Serve neighbors, volunteer, support crisis-pregnancy centers, food pantries, and foster care. – “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16) 4. Courageous Confrontation of Evil – Call sin what God calls it, whether abortion, human trafficking, or dishonest business. – “Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” (Ephesians 5:11) 5. Intercessory Prayer and Fasting – Stand in the gap for cities and leaders as Ezekiel once did (Ezekiel 22:30). 6. Discipling the Next Generation – Teach children biblical worldview at home and church (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). 7. Stewardship in Civic Life – Vote, petition, and run for office with biblical convictions. – “Seek the peace and prosperity of the city...” (Jeremiah 29:7) Staying Armed for the Battle • Ephesians 6:13—“Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground.” • Regular intake of Scripture, fellowship, and worship fortifies the soul against compromise. Promised Strength and Reward • Galatians 6:9—“Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due season we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” • 1 Corinthians 15:58—“Be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” Encouragement from Christ • John 16:33—“In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world.” • Romans 12:21—“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Even when society mirrors Ezekiel 7:23, believers who cling to God’s Word, pursue holiness, and actively serve can pierce the darkness with righteousness that exalts both people and nations. |
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