For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe (Hebrews 5:13).

There are Christians who sincerely love the Lord yet struggle to exercise consistent victory in their lives. They pray, fast and desire to grow spiritually but often find themselves intimidated by circumstances or continually battling the same challenges over and over again. The reason is not always a lack of zeal; often, it's a lack of understanding of righteousness.

We read in our opening scripture that “…every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.” This shows that spiritual maturity is connected to an understanding of righteousness. The one who doesn't understand the doctrine of righteousness remains spiritually unskilled.

You may know many things about Christianity, but if you don’t have the right understanding of your righteousness in Christ, you won't be proficient in the use of God's Word to maintain the life of dominion and constant victories we’ve been given in Christ. The lack of understanding of righteousness is the reason some Christians approach God with a consciousness of guilt, unworthiness, or condemnation.

What God wants is for you to be established in righteousness. Walk in the light of your righteousness. Stand boldly on God's Word. Never wonder whether or not you qualify for God’s blessings or deserve His help. Such thinking robs you of confidence and hinders the effective exercise of your faith. 

Righteousness-consciousness gives you boldness. It gives you the confidence to stand in God’s presence without fear, inferiority, or condemnation. When you understand that you've been made the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus, you won’t relate to God on the basis of your performance but on the basis of Christ's perfection.

This is why every Christian must be established in the doctrine of righteousness. Study and meditate on the truth that Christ is your righteousness. Let it become the consciousness of your spirit because the more you understand who you are in Christ, the more effective you'll be in exercising your authority in Him.

You were not made righteous because of your good works, nor do you maintain righteousness through your human effort. Therefore, refuse to live with a sense of inadequacy or spiritual insecurity. Stand firm in the righteousness God has given you and exercise your dominion with confidence.