RIGHTEOUSNESS

Matthew 5:20

“I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the kingdom of heaven”.

I go to church every Sunday and give my share during the offertory. I read the Bible everyday and even started this daily devotion. I try, as much as possible to follow the rules of both God and my country. The scribes and the Pharisees also did these things and more. The scribes, for instance, were men who spent their time teaching and explaining the law; they were the great authorities on the law of God. The Pharisees were the men who were famous for their holiness and sanctity. By their rules and regulations they built a fence around the law. Their intent was twofold: first, to protect the law; second, to prevent themselves from breaking the law. Everyone in Israel thought of the scribes and Pharisees as paragons of virtue, as examples of morality. But still, Jesus believes that their righteousness is still lacking.

First of all, the righteousness of the Pharisees was external and formal rather than internal and of the heart. The Pharisees made a big show, a big production, out of their righteousness. They prayed on the street corners, they prayed standing up, they prayed out loud. They wanted everyone to see them and hear them when they prayed. Secondly, their religion was all ceremony and no morality. As long as he had washed his hands, fasted, offered prayers, and went to the Temple, the Pharisee thought all was well with his soul.

This is not the righteousness that God wants to see and feel from us. What is Christ's righteousness like? It is a perfect righteousness, a righteousness that is from the heart, a righteousness that goes beyond show and ceremony, a righteousness that is God-centered, a righteousness that shows love and concern for the poor, taking care of our brothers and making peace with our enemies. Remove pride and live a life in total humility, totally giving your life to God, surpassing the standard of righteousness through His mercy.

Almighty Father, I seek Your righteousness. Help me to remember to look to You in everything I do and use me to reach others — to help others seek You first in all they do. I seek Your Kingdom. Thank You that You take me back even when I make the same mistakes over and over and over again. I seek Your mercy and Your forgiveness, forever. Amen +

And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.