Standards have a purpose. They are like a guide for how something is to be done. Without standards, we would never know if we have completed the task or reached the goal.
We are to put on righteousness
“Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,” Ephesians 6:14 ESV. A Roman soldier’s breastplate protected his chest during battles. It was made of strong metal to keep him safe from swords and arrows.
When we think of righteousness we think of right standing. The definition in Nelson’s illustrated dictionary is “holy and upright living in accordance with God’s standard.”
When we put on righteousness it is something that God gives us.
Righteousness has two parts: God’s standard and how believers are to live in their daily lives.
God’s Standard
The pure and perfect character of God is the standard for righteousness. In the Bible, God established laws/standards for His people to obey and follow. Perfection did not last long. Just read what happened in Genesis 3.
God had a remedy for our inability to measure up to His perfect standard. Jesus Christ.
“the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,” Romans 3:22-24 ESV
“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:21 ESV
Christ became a sin for us so that we might be in right standing, “righteous” before God.
“On the cross, Jesus was treated as if He were a sinner, though He was perfectly holy and pure, and we are treated as if we were righteous, though we are defiled and depraved. On account of what the Lord Jesus has endured on our behalf, we are treated as if we had entirely fulfilled the Law of God and had never become exposed to its penalty. We have received this precious gift of righteousness from the God of all mercy and grace. To Him be the glory!” (Got Questions)
By accepting God’s gift of salvation and believing in the sacrifice Christ made on our behalf, we put in or accept the righteousness of God.
Daily living
As believers, we are to live in a true and right way, striving to do what will glorify God.
I like what Nelson’s illustrated dictionary says about this in our relationships with others “In the context of relationships, righteous action is an action that promotes the peace and well-being of human beings in their relationships to one another.” (2014)
We are to live godly lives by the power of the Holy Spirit. We will not be perfect, but we can live lives that honor God. We should work on our weaknesses, forgive, admit when we are wrong, and do good to others. Living a life pleasing to God is a continual process.
We will never get it perfect, but we can live in such a way that reflects Christ to others.
Reference
Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary Editor Ronald F. Youngblood (2014)
What is Righteousness Got Questions https://www.gotquestions.org/righteousness.html
