Though I say to the righteous that he shall surely live, yet if he trusts in his righteousness and does injustice, none of his righteous deeds shall be remembered, but in his injustice that he has done he shall die.
Ezekiel 33:13 (ESV)
Lord Jesus, what a stark reminder of the fruitlessness of my righteousness! I must admit that sometimes I can find myself feeling really good about my good deeds, basking in the bliss that comes from knowing that I am living right. But, oh it is a slippery slope for sure! Because I can, without realizing it, quickly find myself in the place of applauding myself for “holiness” or “faithfulness” in doing what Your Word requires. I can build up all around me behaviors, lists of “do’s and don’ts” that define what a “Christian” looks like, and slowly creep away from what truly defines what it means to be Your child. And all it takes is one slip up, one moral lapse, one sinful “gotcha” and all the good I have done is washed away. Oh for the peace that comes from knowing that I am saved by grace and not by works! Hallelujah!
Thank You today that my righteousness is not defined by my adherence to the Law but Yours! Thank You for applying to my sin-stained heart Your sinless record before the Father, removing my guilt and apply Your guiltlessness! Thank You for transforming my “good” deeds from actions to gain acceptance into shows of appreciation. Thank You for taking my filthy, sin-laden righteousness, washing it off, and accepting as a pleasing aroma before Your throne. I know that I can do no good apart from You, and that You take that which I do bring, tainted and stained by my imperfect hands, and purge it of all that would make it detestable to You and the Father. In You is my righteousness, my hope of glory. I do not place any trust in what I can bring. All of my hope and trust is in You. Thank You for Your faithfulness, which I depend on, and Your obedience. My life is Yours (Galatians 2:20)! Amen!