Bible Passage: “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:17)
Scripture Reading: Colossians 3:1-17
The theme of our week is becoming righteous men.
Does that sound attractive to you?
Do you want righteousness as much as you want a vacation, early retirement, sex, or for your children/grandchildren to succeed?
We need to acknowledge a biblical tension. We are already righteous (Christ’s righteousness is ours—Romans 8:1-4; Philippians 3:9), and yet we are also becoming righteous as our lives are transformed inside and out (Ephesians 4:22-24).
This week we’re focusing on the latter.
So—do you really want to be a righteous man?
One of the greatest barriers to becoming men of righteousness is that we don’t see how this journey of sanctification will glorify God, bless others, and satisfy us.
A righteous man isn’t just saved by Jesus’ atoning death; he’s awed by it and is learning to imitate Jesus’ righteous life.
In our day, this might look like becoming:
- A customer that every retailer loves to serve
- A grandfather whose life overflows with joy rather than complaints about the state of the world
- An employee who has learned to honor their most difficult co-worker
- A husband who doesn’t need to win an argument with his wife
- A father who can face a cancer diagnosis with minimal fear
- A man enjoying healthy sexuality instead of being addicted to pornography and enslaved by lust
- A man who knows how to work till exhaustion and equally rest without guilt
- A neighbor renowned for their good deeds and service
- A citizen who can hold political convictions humbly, kindly, and yet confidently
- A victim who has forgiven his abuser
- A man who loves to pray and be with God
- A retiree whose Monday-Friday is full of serving others
- An older leader who empowers and blesses the next generations
- A father who, amidst a stressful day, can be interrupted by the kids and delight in them
- A Westerner who gives so generously and joyfully, their accountant is shocked
Righteousness is less about knowing the Bible (still crucial) than looking like Jesus and living with Him.
The righteous man’s time with Jesus empowers and transforms the rest of his time.
Righteousness often looks like a godly contractor or a gentle husband more than a pastor. The righteous man is the next boss, neighbor, or co-worker you hope to have.
So—do you really want to be a righteous man?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me understand and imagine what my life and this world will look like as Your Kingdom comes and Your Spirit makes all things new. Fill me with such a hunger to be with You and live like You that “the things of earth will grow strangely dim.” Give me a fresh and compelling vision of the righteous life You lived and the good plans You have to finish Your work in my life. Amen.
Reflection: Which of the above bullet points about righteous living are most true of you? Which do you most want to be true of you? What would you add to that list?
Copyright © 2026 Impactus. All rights reserved.
About
