What exactly does it mean to live righteously? First of all one should look at the exact meaning of the word righteous. According to Strong it means to be just or lawful. We are justified by Christ, therefore we are now the righteous of God. (2 Cor. 5:21, Rom. 3:24) We are declared righteous, not guilty, and free from sin. Since we are now declared righteous, we also need to live righteously. Jesus said that we should be ready, like servants waiting on their master to return home. (Luke 12:35-37) Likewise, there is also the parable of the five foolish and the five wise virgins who waited on the bridegroom. The five foolish virgins, who were not ready for his return, were not allowed to join in the wedding feast. (Mat. 25:1-13) So, we are instructed to live righteously. (1 Tim. 6:11, 1 John 2:6, Phil. 1:10, Phil. 2:13-16, Col. 1:10) But how do we do that? A different way of thinking Everything starts with the way you think. We should think about things di