Devotional: True Righteousness
Scripture: "Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven." - Matthew 5:20 (KJV)
Have you ever thought about what it means to be truly good? Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:20 that our righteousness must go beyond that of the scribes and Pharisees. But what does that mean?
The Pharisees were known for strictly following religious laws. They did many good things, but Jesus said that wasn't enough. He wants us to understand that true righteousness isn't just about what we do on the outside, but who we are on the inside.
Imagine a tree with beautiful leaves and fruit. It looks healthy and strong. But if its roots are weak or rotten, the tree won't last. Our lives are like that tree. We can do good things, but if our hearts and motives aren't pure, we're missing the point.
Jesus came to give us a new way of being. He offers us His grace to change us from the inside out. When we accept Him, He changes our hearts, making our motives pure and our actions truly good.
Think about your motives. Why do you do the things you do? Are you trying to look good in front of others, or are you doing things because your heart is right with God?
Pray and ask Jesus to help you be pure in your thoughts and actions. Let His grace transform you so that your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees. Remember, it’s not just about following rules but being truly good from the inside out.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank You for Your grace that changes us. Help me to have pure motives and a pure heart. Transform me from the inside out so that my righteousness exceeds that of the Pharisees. Amen.
