It’s normal for us to want to be right, but the mistake most people make is trying to be righteous through their own efforts. Depending on self-effort is risky, because we’re prone to make mistakes that sabotage our efforts to be good. Even if we perform well, we can fall into the trap of self-righteousness like the Pharisee did when he compared himself to the publican. Instead of working hard to be righteous, we can simply trust that our identity in Christ makes us as righteous as Him.

We don’t have to be obsessed with doing everything perfectly, because the shame and condemnation we feel when we fall short can lead us into a cycle of sin-consciousness. Because we’re in Christ, we’re already wise, righteous, sanctified, and redeemed. Instead of glorying in our own accomplishments, we can glory in what Christ accomplished. We’re in a spiritual battle over how we think, and resting in Him means we don’t have to flip-flop between thinking we’re the righteousness of God one day and then doubting it the next day.

When we decide once and for all that we’re holy and righteous not because of anything we do, but because of what Jesus did, we have peace of mind knowing that we don’t have to put on the exterior trappings to demonstrate to the world that we’re holy. We just know it in our hearts. Under the law, the priests had to make continual sacrifices to cover the people’s sins; God’s grace, in the person of Jesus Christ, went to the cross not to simply cover our sins, but to wash them away completely. By one offering, Jesus perfected those who believe.

When our faith in our righteousness begins to waver because we made a mistake and missed the mark, we must believe in Christ’s unchanging nature. He’s the same yesterday, today, and forever. Our identity is in Him, which means our righteousness is as permanent as His finished works.

Prayer:

Lord, because of what Your Son did, we’re free from self-righteousness. We can never be good enough to stand before You on our own merits, but You made us righteous because of Your great love for us. In Jesus’ name, thank You. Amen.

Scriptures:

• Luke 18:9-14
• 1 Corinthians 1:29-31
• Hebrews 10:14
• Hebrews 13:9