Jeremiah. 9:23-24, “Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.” The summing up of these two verses may be accomplished with the phrase “unending loyalty to Christ, the Lord and Savior.” There is a difference between those who speak of loyalty and those who live with loyalty to God. Those who live loyalty boast or “glory” in Christ, not in self. Those who live the loyalty of God have incorporated three characteristics: “lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness” of God. The word “lovingkindness” is rooted in the idea of loyalty. It may be translated as “steadfast love,” which is the kind of love that will lay down one’s life for another (John 15:13). The word “judgment” is the Hebrew word for justice. “Judgment” conveys the idea of right choice making or correct decisions made regardless of consequences to self. The third characteristic is “righteousness.” Righteousness is not just right actions, but being right according to God’s holy standard and values, not man’s. None of these characteristics may be had or lived without Jesus Christ (John 3:16-18, 14:6), for they are only obtained through faith in the work of Christ. These three characteristic may only be lived by continuous, active, living faith/trust in Christ. As noted in the verse, these three characteristics are live out not by self, but by the power of Christ as one personally grows to know Him greater. Is God delighted with you and your living? If not turn to Christ and surrender to living the Word (Rom, 2:4, 11:29, 12:1-2, Gal. 2:16, Eph. 5:26, 2Cor. 7:9, Titus 3:5-6).
