PROF. BEN ONYEUKWU (REV.)
NCE (English); Dip (Computer Studies); ND/HD
(Journalism); Dip, BA (Theology) MA, PhD.
REWARDS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
MAIN
TEXT:
“The Lord rewarded me according to my
righteousness: According to the cleanness of my hands He has recognized me”, (2
Samuel 22:21)
WRITERS QUOTES;
Positive reward is the fruit of positive
action, whereas, negative reward is the result of wrong action.
INTRODUCTION:
In
words of Ben Onyeukwu (2004), “righteousness is a treasure seed that only those
who sow it reap its rewards, and one sows such a seed by doing what is right”.
By way of simple definition, one is righteous, when one is in the habit of
doing what is right before God and man. Such a socio-spiritual standing
attracts both human and divine rewards. The text of this discourse already
shows that God rewards one for one’s righteousness. In the same vein,
institutions of national award scheme in various countries of the world show
the human dimension of rewarding certain individuals for the right things done
in their nations. Also, in families, churches and schools, people are often
rewarded for doing the right things as approved by such institutions. In fact,
what has been said so far upholds the biblical truth that “one who sows
righteousness will have a sure reward (Proverb 11:18). Having said this, please
learn something more on:
RIGHTEOUSNESS AND NATION-BUILDING
Acts
of nation-building are acts of doing the right things geared towards the
development of the nation in question. This calls for patriotism and the fear
of God. No country moves forward in the absence of such devotion. One must love
one’s nation before one can guard its welfare. Similarly, one must have the
fear of God in one’s life before one can nurse good intentions for one’s nation.
Where citizens lack such virtues, it becomes futile to move such a nation
forward. No doubt, the Nigeria-Africa story is prominent in this case.
Furthermore, the building of a nation is
both the task of the government and that of the citizens of the country.
Contributions from both sides make for sustainable growth. But, where the two parties
are at variance, no meaningful progress would be achieved. For instance in a
country where citizens are in the habit of “tax evasion”, and the government on
the other hand, takes its turn in “services evasion”, such a country will
definitely remain in socio-economic darkness. To this end, citizens and
governments of Nigeria, and elsewhere in the world have a duty to cross-examine
themselves, as a way of correcting every anomaly. For, “righteousness exalts a
nation, but sin is a reproach to any people”, (Prov. 14:34).
RIGHTEOUSNESS AND PEACEFUL CO-EXISTENCE
One
of the rewards of righteousness is that it promotes peaceful co-existence in
society. The much cherished, “Rule of Law” and “Due process” in Nigeria and
other parts of the world call for righteousness or doing things in the right
way(s). The reign of the “Rule of Law” or “Due Process “ in any society is the
reign of peace. But, the violation of such elements of the law will
automatically result in conflicts and instability in any country. Little
wonder, the Bible remarks that “the fruit (product/reward) of righteousness
will be peace, and that its effect will be quietness forever” (Isaiah 32:17).
Put differently, righteousness is a divine principle that enforces conformity
to the Word of God, and therefore, invoke the presence and favour of the Lord
that make for peace in those who practice it. This implies that peace can never
be found in any society where people do not do the right things or live
righteously (vs 17).
RIGHTEOUSNESS AND THE KINGDOM OF GOD
The
best reward of righteousness is the door it opens for one into the Kingdom of Heaven.
Apart from enlisting one for the kingdom, righteousness offers favour that
makes for material blessing. The admonition, “but seeks you first the kingdom
of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you”,
confirms the aforestated, (Matthew 6:33). But, the blind spot is that many
play-down on the issue of eternity in heaven, and so, engage in un-righteous
acts, ranging from political killings, embezzlement, judicial corruption, cyber
crime and more. Such means of achieving a feat is against the ethics of the Kingdom
of God, and therefore, cannot earn one the eternal reward which righteousness
offers.
In conclusion, this works has
made obvious the socio-economic and eternal reward of righteousness. It also,
portrays righteous acts as prospects for the good harvest of tomorrow, which
only the sower reaps. KEEP NIGERIA AND
THE WORLD TOGETHER, ALWAYS DO THE RIGHT THINGS.
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