"Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people." (Prov 14:37) This month we have been on the subject of excellence. We have had several lessons about excellence touching several aspects of our lives. We have looked at excellence as it pertains to our business, our career, our attitude, our relationship, our family values, etc. And now we want to talk about the greatest excellence of all: spiritual excellence. It doesn't matter how much we excel in other areas of our life, if we fail to excel spiritually, we will still be found wanting. The will of God for us is all round excellence including our spiritual life. This is why He says, "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth." (3 John 1:2). This implies that God is interested in our spiritual excellence. As a matter of fact, He expects it by default. Big question is what does it mean to prosper or excel spiritually. It means to be in harmony with God. It means to be at peace with God. It means to accept the righteousness of God made possible through faith in Jesus Christ, and to live a life worthy of that righteousness. It means to put away the sinful nature in us, and embrace the word of God as a guide for our lives. It is then that we will be seen as excelling spiritually. It is then that God is happy with us. It is then that even our smallest effort in other areas of our life will attract God's grace and favour..
Righteousness exalts a nation! When we live righteously, it increases our chances for excellence. God honours them that honour Him. Righteousness is an act of honouring God. It places God's word and will above all else in our lives. It dedicates us to God. It consecrates us for His service. God is interested in righteousness. And as many as are willing to accept the righteousness of God and put it to work in their lives, receive God's favour and blessings in all areas of their life. Sin is a reproach.