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Reflections on Righteousness

Every day, I find myself caught in a familiar cycle. I wake up with a heart full of good intentions, determined to pursue holiness and live a life that honors God. I tell myself that today will be different, that today I will walk the narrow path with greater resolve. But as the day unfolds, that persistent, unwelcome guest—pride—creeps in, subtly shifting my focus away from the cross.

It’s not that I lack the desire for holiness. On the contrary, I long for it deeply. I want to be righteous in God’s eyes, striving to live in a way that reflects His love and grace. But every time I feel as though I’m making progress, pride sneaks in, blinding me to the true source of my righteousness. In those moments, I realize that pride had already taken root when I first thought I could achieve righteousness through my own efforts.

And it hurts. Each time I fall into the trap of self-righteousness, it stings—like a sharp reminder of my own inadequacy. Yet, perhaps this pain is a hidden blessing. If these moments of failure serve to keep my mind sober and my heart humble, then I will bear them willingly. For it is in these stings that I am drawn back to the truth: my righteousness is not my own—it is found solely in the blood of the Lamb.

In the face of every failed attempt at self-righteousness, I plead the blood of the Lamb. I lay down my pride, surrendering the false belief that I could ever stand righteous on my own. It is in Christ’s righteousness that I find true rest, knowing that I am pure in God’s sight—not by my own deeds, but by His grace alone.

Every day, my self-righteousness is weighed and found wanting. But every day, the righteousness of God through Christ is weighed and found complete. Though my carnal mind may vow to do better, I’ve come to understand that it’s only in God’s righteousness that my soul can truly rest. It is there, in Christ’s finished work, that I am made whole—not through my efforts, but through His sacrifice.

This daily struggle with self-righteousness is not unique to me; it’s a tension that every Christian faces. It’s the battle between our desire to be holy and the pride that inevitably tries to ensnare us. But within this struggle lies the grace to return to the cross, to lay down our pride, and to rest in the completeness of Christ’s sacrifice.

And for the grace that teaches me to say “no” to all ungodliness, I will sit and study God’s Word. I will humble myself and allow the Spirit to lead me on the path of righteousness. I will swallow my pride and let Christ, who was found righteous in all things, guide me in glorifying His name through my pursuit of righteousness in both thought and deed.

In this journey, I am reminded that righteousness is not something I achieve, but something I receive. It’s not about striving on my own, but about surrendering to the One who has already walked the path perfectly. And in that surrender, I find peace—peace in knowing that I am righteous in God’s eyes because of Christ, and Christ alone.