Formation Over Information: What November Taught Us About Righteousness.

I once heard someone say, “Living in a garage does not make you a car.” A bit harsh, right? But the truth in it is undeniable. Elder Edwin Kariuki echoed the same sentiment during the Forerunner’s Service when he said, “Going to school and learning are not the same.”

You can sit in a classroom and fail to learn.
You can live in church and never grow.
You can be in a spiritual environment and remain spiritually stagnant.
This past month, we dug deep into Understanding Righteousness, and in part four of the series, Elder Edwin guided us through practical ways to pursue righteousness—not theoretically, but intentionally.

1. Seek the Presence of God
Righteousness is cultivated in proximity. Elder Edwin reminded us to pursue God deliberately: Come to church, participate in congregational prayer, engage in fellowship and commit to personal devotion – through both prayer and the Word. Righteousness isn’t passive. It’s nurtured.

2. Walk in the Spirit
Galatians 5:22–23 teaches us about the fruit of the Spirit; love, joy, peace, patience… the list goes on. Elder Edwin emphasized that our words and actions matter, and the fruit of the Spirit in us becomes a magnet. People are drawn to the Christ they see in us. He encouraged us to seek: Wisdom, knowledge (expose yourself to truth and sound doctrine), good judgment and discernment.
Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice…” (John 10:27 KJV). To hear God consistently, we must grow deeper – stable, grounded, and not swayed by every new doctrine. James 1:5 reassures us: If anyone lacks wisdom, ask God. He gives generously.

3. Play the Long Game
This journey of faith is not a sprint. It’s a marathon.
Elder Edwin reminded us that serving in church and growing in righteousness are not the same thing. You can serve faithfully yet remain immature spiritually. Your struggles from “back in the day” should not be stumbling blocks today. Growth demands progress.
Verse 8 of 2 Peter 1:5-9 says: For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither [e]barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. [NKJV] Spiritual stagnation limits productivity in the Kingdom. Don’t cap your calling by avoiding the pursuit of righteousness.

4. Walk in Faith
Genesis 15:6 shows us Abraham, righteous by faith. Hebrews 11 – the “Hall of Faith” – highlights men and women who believed in a promise or supported the agenda of the Kingdom with everything they had.
He concluded by reminding us not to stop praying just because the miracle hasn’t manifested. Kingdom giants are forged on the anvil of persistent faith.

After learning how to pursue righteousness, Pastor Donald Gichane showed us the next step: being established in righteousness – or as he called it, Walking in Divine Stability. 2 Timothy 1:6 [NKJV] Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. God is looking for people who are established in righteousness for a lifetime. The righteousness God has deposited in us must stand all seasons for it is built into our foundation. Isaiah 54:14 declares: “In righteousness you shall be established…”

Pastor Don walked us through Joseph’s story in Genesis 41. Joseph faced betrayal, false accusation, imprisonment… yet his identity in God never shifted. His righteousness ensured that trials didn’t shake him, attacks didn’t break him and challenges didn’t define him. Righteousness does not mean no trouble, no attacks, no tribulation… but when it comes, it won’t flaw you. You’ll ride the wave.

He challenged us to reflect: What has the enemy used, or is still using, to pull you away from Christ? Righteousness is a shield. It builds credibility, then authority. It takes you from surviving, to standing, to shining, to influencing
Joseph’s gift opened doors, but his character kept those doors open. Righteousness leaves a trace; a path, others can safely follow.

November wasn’t about accumulating information. It was about formation; being shaped, stretched, refined, and established.
May God give you strength to stand, grow, and remain unshakable.