But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God; and righteousness and sanctification and redemption
—1 Corinthians 1:30

Everyone wants to be right, or righteous. That is why we often see people arguing over all kinds of trifles, insisting that they are right. Unfortunately, Christians also argue with one another about various teachings, trying to prove something to one another instead of enjoying the gift of righteousness, the riches of grace and God’s blessings, and they try to change other people’s minds and prove to them that they are wrong. As one preacher said: “The Good News is so good that there’s no point forcing it on anyone or persuading people that Christ is tasty food.” When we try to prove to someone that we are right, we thereby become like those of whom Scripture says: “For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God.” [Rom.10:3]

In Corinth, disputes and everyday disagreements among believers had gone so far that they had begun to settle them in court. To which Paul writes to them: “Why do you not rather accept wrong? Why do you not rather let yourselves be cheated?” [1 Cor.6:7] And it all began with disagreements in teaching and a lack of understanding of God’s righteousness. Paul writes to them: “For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?” [1 Cor.3:3] Isn’t this what happens today, when some say: “This preacher or pastor is right and I agree with him, but that one is wrong,” and pointless arguments begin? Here “carnal” doesn’t mean sinful, but those under the law. Verse 1 says: “And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ.” [1 Cor.3:1] And who are the babes in Christ? “Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world. But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son… to redeem those who were under the law [babes]” [Gal.4:3-5] So the carnal are those who still go on living by the law, like worldly people, and accordingly try to establish their own righteousness.

God’s righteousness has nothing to do with our works, our behaviour or our being right. God’s righteousness is God’s gift. In everyone who has believed in Jesus and received Him as Lord and Saviour, Christ lives by His Spirit. And Christ Himself is our righteousness. [1 Cor.1:30] When we understand this, or, as Scripture puts it, come to know God’s righteousness, then every desire to argue and prove anything to anyone disappears automatically. For those who receive the gift of righteousness and the abundance of grace reign in life. [Rom.5:17] And kings don’t argue with anyone.