But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption— that, as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:30-31)

Glory In The Lord – Righteousness

The Chinese language is one of the oldest continuous languages in the world, first written over 4,500 years ago. The inventors of the written language drew pictures to express words or ideas that formed words. Simple pictures were combined to make more complex thoughts. The word for “older brother” came from the diagram of the word “mouth” and “man.” The “mouth man” or “spokesperson” for the family was usually the oldest son or brother. Well-known history and common everyday things were used to make a word so people could remember it. Through the centuries, it has transformed in different ways, but the framework of the language remains the same. Words are formed by putting together characters in relationship to one another.

Many interesting words in the ancient Chinese language have Biblical references. The word “migrate” comes from the words “great,” “division,” “west,” and “walk.” This seems to speak of the tower of Babel when the early descendants would have walked from the west to the area of China. The word “forbidden, to warn” comes from “two trees” and “God” (abbreviated form). “Boat” is derived from “vessel,” “eight,” and the word “people.” All of these point to stories in the Bible.

The Chinese language is very descriptive when it comes to the word for “righteousness” (yi). This word comes from the derivation of two words, “lamb” (yang) and “me, self, or I (wo).” The significance is found where the lamb is the top character, and the personage of self is the bottom character. To be righteous or to live according to righteousness can only be done when the Lamb of God (Jesus Christ) rules over the man. This principle is foundational to living a Christian life – Jesus Christ must always be first.

Righteousness is not determined by the desire for human wisdom. What is right and wrong can only be determined by the One who established authority. As Creator, God the Father rules supreme with all authority. God gave His Son, Jesus Christ, all authority. Submission to the rule of Christ is paramount to being a faithful servant of God. Righteousness is where Christ is all and man is nothing. Obedience is measured by the law of God. Faithfulness comes from a righteous heart subjected to the will of the Father. A Christian is a slave of righteousness because they have placed the Lamb of God above all things and humbled themselves to a subservient role.

When a man obeys the gospel of Jesus Christ, God unites him with His Son. Righteousness is measured by what the Lamb (above) places upon the man (below). Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy and freed us from sin. Righteousness is living for the glory of God. If there is anything a man can boast in, it must be to boast in the Lord. Seeking righteousness is submitting to the rule of God. The example of godliness is found in the righteous lives of those who profess allegiance to Jesus Christ. He must be first (top), and man must be last (bottom). Changing that order is not righteousness.