“For I say to you that unless your righteousness far surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:20).
At first glance, all of us are in trouble. I know my righteousness does not exceed that of the Pharisees. I am pretty sure yours doesn’t either. What then? Give up? Yes! Give up, die to sin on the cross of Christ and be resurrected with the righteousness of Christ as yours. Abraham was reckoned righteousness through what Christ has done. By faith, in Christ, you are not just born of women, you are born again of Christ.
Lord, You know where I am and what I need. You know the state of my soul. Rather than always trying to understand everything, help me live in the righteousness You have given me. Guide me in Your goodness and mercy to practice righteousness. Daily, lead me to seek to be in that place of righteousness. Always help me to meditate on and inwardly digest Your word and focus on what it means to be righteous according to You.
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for the gifts You have given me. Guide me today in Your grace and mercy so that I may humbly walk with You in the way of everlasting life. Thank You for the righteousness You have given me. Move me from thinking in terms of greatest or least, whether I have something another does not, to the place where I simply love my neighbor as myself. Lead me today, Lord Jesus. Amen.
