Righteous actions are seen on the outside and displayed for the world to see. By seeing the righteous actions follow it as the example of what right looks like. Yet, there is more to it than just the outward visible actions of being righteous.

“¹⁰Let the righteous one rejoice in the LORD

and take refuge in him!

Let all the upright in heart exult!”

— Psalm 64:10 (ESV)

Being righteous starts in the heart. Righteous actions are the outward display of being upright in the heart. Being righteous is taking action based on the will of the LORD and not for or expecting anything in return. There is nothing from the world that will make the actions worth while. The worth while comes from the LORD and rejoicing in His greatness.

This weekend I am helping my son move across town. Yes, he is my son and it is my duty to provide for him and his brother, yet this is his life and his move. I have no stake in where he lives and have no say either. I will labor with and for him as an act of love and service. And, I expect nothing in return for my actions. I know what you may be thinking, how is helping someone move a righteous action. Well it may not be, but it is an example of service and actions that come from the heart where the world has no ability to make it worth while.

We have to take on more righteous actions that come from the heart and expect nothing in return from the world. The reality it that the would will be suspicious of our actions no matter what actions we take on that do not fit the glorification of the world view. And that is okay by me, as I am not here to please the world, I am here to please the LORD.

Chapter 64 in Psalms is titled “Hide Me from the Wicked” in my English Standard Version (ESV) bible. And verse ten above is the last verse in the chapter. We should be asking the LORD to “hide” us from the wickedness in the world, and look for shelter “in him”. We have to take on righteous actions, but ensure that they are coming from the heart where we are lifting up the LORD with each of them.

Where are your actions coming from? Are you bringing them to the world from a place of self-aggrandizement and looking for something in return? What if you looked inward to your heart and brought forth actions to exult the LORD, since He has hidden you in Him?