Righteousness

Arizona Blooms

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. 

 Therefore, as it is written: 

"Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."

1 Cor 1:30-31 (NIV)

It has taken me some time to realize that what I perceive of as my own righteousness and goodness is not enough.  After so many years of struggling with guilt and trying so hard to be good and always putting myself down, I have realized that my own righteousness will never be good enough.

The only thing that counts is the righteousness of Christ.  His righteousness has been imparted to me so I do not have to strive in my own strength to be good or to be anything at all.  I rely only upon his perfection.  Therefore, I can rest.  Why is this so hard for me.  Somewhere the striving, the perfectionism, the myth that performance equals acceptance has been impressed upon me.

This lie needs to be replaced with the truth that I am loved and accepted just as I am.  As I rest in him, all he desires for me will be accomplished.  My work is not the work of striving, but the rest of faith.

God, grant me rest today as I trust in the righteousness of Christ. Yours is the only righteousness and goodness that I have. I trust that that righteousness has been placed upon me and is working in me. 

My only hope is that I shall be clothed with the righteousness of Christ.  Martyn Lloyd Jones