“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.”
~Proverbs 14: 34

Righteousness exalts a nation. It takes you high; it uplifts you. You can’t live in sin and go up in God. You can’t reach your ultimate heights in God if you are living in sin. If as a Christian in church, you walk in unrighteousness, you will not be exalted by God. This is because the bible says:

“Nevertheless, the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are His. And, ‘Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”
~2Timothy 2: 19(KJV)

I’m not talking about unbelievers; as the scripture says, they are already condemned. Unless they turn to Jesus Christ, they are already on their way to hell; so God doesn’t bother with them.  They can sin and get away with it.

“Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.”
~John 3:18

On the other hand, if someone who has the life of Christ in them sins, he stays down. He begins to move around in circles. Check your life if that’s your own story. You can’t ascend in God, if you are living in sin. The bible says that because Jesus loved righteousness and hated wickedness, God set him up above his companions.

“But about the Son he says, ‘Your throne, O God, will last forever and ever, and righteousness will be the scepter of your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.’”
Hebrews 1: 8-9

You only experience dominion and excellence in God when, as a Christian, you love and walk in righteousness.

Memory Verse:
Proverbs 14: 34
“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.”

Prayer:
Father, I ask that you forgive and cleanse me of every sin in my life. Strengthen me by your Spirit to love and live a righteous life, in Jesus’ name.
Amen.