Philippians 3:9

"And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:" Philippians 3:9

Many religious people want the limelight for themselves. They want to be the candle that burns brightest. "All eyes on me" personality rings in their head and heart. The law is their scapegoat. It is their means to fanning their tiny flame to a conflagration...in their mind! By adhering to the laws, self-imposed righteousness is acquired. They are righteous because they stuck to the law. Their strength acheived their righteousness. It instills an independent nature. They are independent of God. Intimacy is never known. God might be viewed as a crutch instead of being the source of their strength. They still believe in God; His role is diminished in their life. He is not their Rock or foundation. There is nothing we can do to earn or possess "our own" righteousness. Tis the right way.....

God gave us a gift. He gave us the perfect sacrifice. The perfect door was opened between God and us. Christ died on the cross. He became the doorway to God. "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." John 14:6 Jesus is the author of our faith which leads to God. God is the author of our existence and the laws that we follow. The Almighty gave us all: our bodies and souls, the laws to abide by, and His son which returned us to Him. We have nothing to give or earn on our own that He has not already given us. Righteousness is a gift of God. Humble yourself before God. Love Him with all your soul. It is His just due.

The Law was handed down by God, but it is an inanimate object. It cannot give righteousness. God himself is the only one capable of such a gift. He gives us grace and righteousness. Neither can be earned or awarded. It is given out of the generous overflow of the Father's heart. He gave us faith through Jesus. Everything originates from God. Do not think that life is about earning and winning accolades or adulation from people. Its about giving the love, the righteousness(our morals), and forgiveness that the Father gave us. Do not lift yourself above other men and women. Love them from the trenches!

kenny