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Righteousness is not about what we think of ourselves in relation to others. Or based on what we do.
Let’s consider the parable of Jesus recorded in Luke 18:9-14. The parable centers around two people who come to the temple to pray: a Pharisee and a tax collector.
Regarding the Pharisee, Luke 18:11-12 states in part: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get’ (NIV).
In the Pharisee, we see a person who comes to God focused on self and on what he considers to be his goodness.
Now for the tax collector. Luke 18:13 states in part: “He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner’ (NIV).
In the tax collector, we see a person who comes to God aware of his own failings. We see a person who is also aware of the mercy of God.
1 Corinthians 1:30 states: It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption (NIV).
The above verse makes it clear that we are righteous because of Jesus Christ. Our righteousness is not based on self. Or because of our good works.
Let’s reflect on our own actions for a moment. Do you look down on others you feel may not be as spiritually mature as you? Perhaps, for example, they don’t spend as much time in prayer as you do. They don’t quote scriptures from memory the way you do. Or maybe they are still trying to overcome some worldly habits.
If you answered yes, you may be like those in Luke 18:9 who “trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt” (NIV).
If you are trusting in your own righteousness, ask God for help. Ask God to open the eyes of your understanding so that your righteousness – your ability to be right before God – is and will always be because of Jesus Christ.
Except where indicated, scripture references are from the American Standard Version (ASV), Darby Translation (DARBY), or King James Version (KJV) – all public domain.
