dar334

On my desk is a daily flip calendar with scripture verses for every day. Some days I’m not at this desk because I’m at the kitchen table of my dear friend. When I’m back at this desk I catch up. As I was flipping through the days to catch up a couple days ago I stopped to rest on May 5 and haven’t flipped past it. The verse that caused this rest was Matthew 5:10.

Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

My pause was on the word “righteousness”. I have a Bible Dictionary app and I took the time this morning to open it and then to the definition it provided. It listed 5 definitions and I chose #1. “Purity of heart and rectitude of life; conformity of heart and life to the divine law. Righteousness, as used in Scripture and theology, in which it is chiefly used, is nearly equivalent to holiness, comprehending holy principles of heart, and conformity of life to the divine law. It includes all we call justice and virtue, with holy affections; in short, it is true religion.” Webster’s 1828 Dictionary is credited for the definition.

As I sat here looking at the word, pondering what I will glean, I felt the need to don my armor. It didn’t take long at all before Hebrews 13:8 came to mind. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, and forever. As I see it, even though it was a 1828 version of Webster’s Dictionary, I don’t feel the definition changed. Definitions generally change to conform with the world, and I believe God doesn’t change to conform.