Nougat 17

Far often we find ourselves comparing with others and feeling justified in our lives that we are holier than others. I would hasten to remind us that God’s view is somewhat different. Consider today’s Holy Nougat

“and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith.” Philippians‬ ‭3:9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Can you imagine: we cannot Work our way into righteousness. Nope. Not at all. It matters not how it seems, especially when we see others who are on top of their faith. Because righteousness is being in alignment with God’s Plans – for ourselves as well as all creation. And that is only possible through Christ.

Now righteousness may manifest as piety (ie acts of devotion and holiness ), sanctification (intentioned pulling away from the ordinary and profane), or ethical living (using one’s conscience to consider what is best for all). But unless and until righteousness manifests as an outpouring of God’s grace alongside the preceding, we’re not quite in the cut. For, any act of righteousness born of ‘duty’ is ritual. It is void of the Spirit of God, Who activates is unto God’s perfection. Just think – Paul, well actually Saul, was manifesting his perception of Jewish righteousness en route Damascus, and God had to rescue him from himself. God’s transformation was so intense that he was no longer Saul the persecutor; but Paul the evangelist. In Christ, he found himself and a new lease on life.

With Saul as the example, it becomes easy to assume that our lives are perfect. But, Saul’s story is intended to remind us how easy it is to be religious and not be righteous. For righteousness requires that we are totally Souled Out to Christ. And when we are Souled Out, it’s no longer self, but Christ in us by Faith. That is – believing that Christ is God and choosing to yield ourselves to Him.

As we live our Faith this week, I pray that our righteousness is in Christ alone, and is manifest in all we do for the glory of God.

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May all we seek be found in Christ