I have spent my whole Christian life (almost 50 years) trying to be RIGHTEOUS.  Trying.  Unsuccessfully.  I think I have a better understanding now of exactly what it means, but it still eludes me.  Understanding the concept, and living in the reality continues to be overpowering to me.

Most of us begin our lives being “unrighteous.”  We understand that.  We are sinners in need of a Savior.  We understand our shortcomings.  Our inadequacies. Our sin.  It is the thing that drives us to Jesus Christ in the first place.  We realize we simply can’t do it on our own.  Everyone, sooner or later, comes to that conclusion.

But then many of us move to a position of “self-righteousness.”  It is an interesting place.  We somehow feel superior, because we are forgiven and have the love of God in our hearts.  At that point, we usually begin the process of fixing the world around us.  US and THEM.  “We,” who are righteous (self-righteous).  “Them,” who are unrighteous. We begin to speak and act in a way that assumes we have arrived at some sort of perfection, and it is our duty to help all of those who simply aren’t as “spiritual” as I am. 

I wonder how many of us realize that we have simply traded one broken and faulty mindset for another. 

Between the two – unrighteous and self-righteous, I believe the more honest realization is “unrighteousness.”  At least it is an honest assessment of where we truly are.  It presupposes my need for help and my desire for change.  That is usually not true with those who are self-righteous.  They feel as though they have arrived at a different level of maturity and perfection.  They view themselves as nearing perfection and holiness.  As a result, they feel justified in becoming judge and jury for those who are still “unrighteous.”

Paul said it best.  He understood the error of both positions:

"Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin. But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe." [Romans 3:20-22]

You see, my goal is not “self-righteousness.”  Christ warned me about that pursuit many times.  Rather, my goal is to become self-less” and put on HIS righteousness.  Now, that is a completely different thing.  But what does HIS righteousness look like?

First, it doesn’t find fault.

It is fully aware of our personal state.  Our Sin.

It doesn’t attempt to “fix” everyone. Again, he is aware of his own sin.

It rejoices with the truth – and with true brokenness.

It replaces self-righteous behavior with personal holiness – and an honest pursuit of God.

I think we all go through this progression.  Unrighteousness.  Self-righteousness.  Righteousness.  And at the end of this quest, we end up at the beginning.  We realize that many of the same things we saw at the beginning when we understood that we were unrighteous are still true.  They always have been.  We just didn’t pay attention.  And when we finally have that “ah- ha” moment (and realize that in many ways, we are still struggling with some of the same issues), we begin to honestly understand what RIGHTEOUSNESS is all about.  It has nothing to do with me.  It has everything to do with my position in Christ.  It is the realization that he has given me a GIFT.  That gift is the honor of sharing in his death on the cross – and accepting his profound gift of being free from sin and guilt. 

It’s interesting.  When I finally arrive at that place (not that any of us have truly arrived - understanding the concept doesn’t mean we are living in the reality), I begin to see another work of God happening.  I become a bit more humble.  I realize my sin.  I realize my guilt.  I understand my shortcomings.  I begin to honestly see who I am, and realize it is not a pretty picture.  It is cold reality.  And it is at THAT POINT that I understand the magnitude of the price that Jesus paid for me, and the magnitude of God’s love for me.  He gave me His righteousness – at a point when I was unrighteous.  And he knew that I would continue to struggle with sin. And he died anyway. 

It has been a difficult week for me.  I am VERY aware of my sin and my shortcomings.  I am very ashamed of past behavior.  I am also fearful of PRESENT behavior.  And I am humbled to know that Jesus paid the price – for ME!  Though my sin be as scarlet – through Christ and his gift to me – I have become white as snow.  THAT is not a point of self-righteousness.  It is completely HIS righteousness given to me as a gift. One that I don’t deserve, but am truly thankful for!