Philippians 3: 9 When it counts, I want to be found belonging to Him, not clinging to my own righteousness based on law, but actively relying on the faithfulness of the Anointed One. This is true righteousness, supplied by God, acquired by faith.
Paul is reminding everyone of his background--his education and his heritage--but saying that none of that matters. Now that he is Christian, his own works and his ancestors are not the point. It is his faith in Christ as God's son that gives him righteousness.
Righteousness bothered me. When I prayed "lead me into paths of righteousness," I was plagued by doubt about that. I am used to self-righteous people who judge others and cause people to avoid Christianity. I don't want to be like them.
Paul explains it well. He is not self-righteous, because of who he is or what he does. He is righteous only because he accepts that he is not the final authority---that God is that One. His faith is what redeems his failings.
Prayer: Lord, help me to be righteous on Your behalf. Protect me from the tendency to self-righteousness. Let me rely on faith and not works nor pedigree for my redemption.
Amen
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