Righteousness Over Rightness

And when His disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, just as Elijah did?” But He turned and rebuked them, and said, “You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men's lives but to save them.” And they went to another village. (Luke 9:54-56)

Being righteousness and being right are two completely different things. Christians are not called to be right about men, but to show the world the love and righteousness of God. Loving God and our neighbors as ourselves are the greatest commandments, and by them, God's love flows through us to the world -- a world in desperate need of that love. That is how righteousness expresses itself through us -- not by winning arguments, but by winning souls. We do well to remember this.

What a shame for Christians to hold up legal standards for others, while basking in the grace of God! How sad and hypocritical are those who sing "Amazing Grace," while judging and condemning "those sinners!" It is all too easy to fault others when they fall short of God's full purpose and standard, forgetting the times we came before the Lord and begged for His mercy and forgiveness. Yet, the Lord listens for the prayers and intercession that reflect His desire to see all men saved, and He blesses the saints and churches that welcome sinners and lead them to the Cross. May every Christian remember we were not saved or sanctified by works of the law or our own goodness -- For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. (Ephesians 2:8) May God be able to use us to offer that same gift to the world.

Let’s Pray – Father, forgive me for displaying a self-righteous attitude. I stand in the righteousness of Christ, not my own. I will be sure to let His light shine through me today. In Jesus alone, Amen.