Scripture

Matthew 5:20 (NLT)

“But I warn you—unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!”

Consider

Followers of God long for righteousness. We try to live moral and upright lives. We give our tithes, volunteer our time, and perform useful services in the pursuit of God’s favor. Despite what we know about sin, we cling to a secret hope that if we try hard enough, we can achieve a level of goodness that will meet God’s standards and justify our lives.

With similar reasoning, the scribes and Pharisees of Jesus’ time sought righteousness for themselves by strictly observing some 613 rules derived from Old Testament law. Then Jesus came along and pointed out critical differences between the self-righteousness practiced by these religious leaders and the kingdom righteousness that God requires.

• The self-righteous depend on the SELF to meet God’s standard of goodness through personal effort. The kingdom-righteous depend on JESUS to cover their sins with his righteousness, achieved through his sinless death on the cross.
• The good deeds of the self-righteous are motivated by SELF-INTEREST and the desire to earn a place in heaven. The kingdom-righteous are motivated by LOVE and the desire to be like Jesus.
• The self-righteous perceive righteousness in DEGREES, adding or losing merit with God depending on their performance. The kingdom-righteous are justified with God through Christ’s ONCE-AND-FOR-ALL sacrifice on the cross, complete and perfect.
• The remedy for sin among the self-righteous is to FIX THE OUTSIDE, as though acting rightly can purify the inner self. The kingdom-righteous FIX THE INSIDE because a purified heart will generate outward behaviors that please God and align with God’s purposes.

Kingdom work requires kingdom righteousness that lifts us beyond our selfish agendas and makes us effective for God’s reconciling purposes in the world. Forgiveness, unity in the body of believers, kindness to our adversaries, peacemaking in the midst of conflict, healing of racial tensions and social injustices, protection for the elderly and the unborn, caring for the poor, sharing the hope of Jesus—all these kingdom concerns become our concerns when we surrender our hearts to the lordship of Christ and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit.

Pray

FATHER, I struggle against the idea that my personal efforts at righteousness count for nothing in your kingdom. Show me where my pride interferes with my effectiveness for you. Cleanse me from selfish motivations and achievements that make me look good only on the outside. Thank you for the gift of your Son’s righteousness that covers my unworthiness and makes me fit for your kingdom.

Reflect

Isaiah 64:6; John 15:4

Ponder

Which characteristics of the self-righteous Pharisee can you see in your own life?