Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne. Psalm 89:14

Two German Christian soldiers during World War II were up for promotion yet were required join the Officer’s Club, which involved dancing. Since they believed dancing was morally wrong, the promotions were declined. Later, these “Christians” were assigned to death camps where Jews were stuffed into ovens and killed with no voice of protest. Many years after the war, the two looked back on their experiences with no regret, convinced that they had made right decisions. For them, evading social pressure and refusing to dance was an act of righteousness. And conforming to patriotic mass murders and remaining silent while thousands of Jews burned in ovens left them with a sense of justice.

Within Scripture, righteousness and justice are often interchangeable, moreover describing God’s attribute. He always acts in accordance to what is just and right (Psalm 19:8). Because He defines what is right from wrong (Isaiah 45:19), He must discipline accordingly. To do otherwise would indicate that He is unrighteous. As God’s creatures, who are we to say that our Creator is unrighteous or unjust? When we set our own standard of external righteousness, we are capable of any evil such as baking Jews. When filled with His righteousness, no good is too great. Praise the Lord for all “his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he” (Deuteronomy 32:4). Act with no regrets.

“Do right and leave the results with God.” – Talmadge