Today I am going to attempt to show the difference between morality and righteousness.
Why, you ask?
Well, I did this exercise as part of a lesson in the Bible study Chase by Jennie Allen.
She asked what the difference is between morality and true righteousness.
I’ll be honest with you. I don’t wake up in the morning thinking these deep thoughts, so I appreciate when someone challenges me to use my brain. Some days, I’m surprised at the thoughts I can think.
Morality says…
Don’t Lie.
Righteousness says…
In the midst of all the lies, stand up and Proclaim Truth.
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. ~ John 8:32
Morality says…
Do what is right.
Righteousness says…
Be right with God.
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. ~ Hebrews 11:6
Morality says…
Live by the Golden Rule. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Righteousness says…
Love your neighbor as yourself.
And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. ~ Matthew 22:39
Morality says…
Be benevolent.
Righteousness says…
Care for the poor, the widows, and the fatherless.
He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse. ~ Proverbs 28:27
Defend the poor and fatherless;
Do justice to the afflicted and needy.
Deliver the poor and needy;
Free them from the hand of the wicked. ~Psalm 82:3-4
Morality says…
Follow your heart.
Righteousness says…
Follow God’s Word, because your heart can deceive you.
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? ~ Jeremiah 17:9
Morality says…
You scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours.
Righteousness says…
Love your enemies. Do good to those who despitefully use you.
Go ahead, think for a minute
and then add something to this list.
Thank you for this! My bible study is going through the Chase study right now and this was perfect!
We’re doing the chase as well abd this was so helpful!
It is easier for an immoral person to become righteous than for a moral person because moral persons are self righteous
Morality is the letter of the law, righteousness is the spirit of the law
Morality says it is ok everybody is doing it. Righteousness says be ye Holy because I am Holy.
Morality says Work hard and success will be yours.
Righteousness says Work for the Lord and your successes will be His as well.
Thanks for making me think — it is summer, after all… 🙂
I love this- right now I am listening to Joel Osteen and I just heard him say overcome evil with good- so I think I will add that to the list!