Aptly, as we just concluded the National Day celebration
Gerald Giam spoke on "How righteousness exalts a nation"
His main text was Proverbs fourteen verse thirty four
He referred to other passages, but this was the core
"Righteousness exalts a nation but sin is a disgrace"
That decides whether a smile or frown is on God's face
Per Amos 5:12, God knows how great our sins are
Whether they occur at home, in the office, or afar
Righteousness is living a life that honours God
Even when nobody is watching, however odd
In Daniel's three friends, righteousness was seen
As told in Daniel chapter three, from verse sixteen
In Daniel six verse five, Daniel of course did the same
Refusing to worship the king, as God he would defame
Gerald then talked about being raised high when we exalt
As contrasted with being condemned when sin is our fault
In Deuteronomy 28:1-5, this promise by God was conveyed
Obey God's commands and His blessings will then cascade
This can be seen in today's world, Gerald did point out
Corrupt countries prosper less, of that there is no doubt
Righteous laws and social equality bring similar rewards
Prosperity and growth are blessings God then accords
In Isaiah 42:6, into righteousness God does us call
He wants us to be a beacon of light for one and all
We need to stand up in our community and workplace
Bestowing on others righteousness, care, and grace
Democracy reflects the will of the people, good or bad
So about elected officials, we should not be happy or sad
He then referred to Second Chronicles seven verse fourteen
God's people should humble themselves and pray, it is seen
To Proverbs, chapter twenty nine verse two, he did return
If wicked people rule a nation, there is cause for concern
As a church, we need to speak up, as per Esther 4: 14
If we are silent too long, bad things are too often seen
Gerald said we each operate within a given sphere
We can most influence those to whom we are near
That is where we are called to advance his righteousness
Our family, colleagues, neighbours, and friends we can bless
He referred to Martin Luther King's comments on wrong vs right
Who said that for a nation, a righteous leader must be the light
Regardless of whether something is not popular, politic, or safe
A good leader must do the right thing, even if to many it does chafe
In summary, from Matthew chapter five verse six Gerald did quote
"Blessed are those who hunger for righteousness" Jesus did note
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