righteous are you, oh Lord, and right are your rules. you have appointed your testimonies in righteousness and in all faithfulness. [psalm 119:137-138]
have you ever considered that righteousness is not a standard against which we judge God, but God is the standard by which we determine what is righteous? it’s not just that God is righteous, but he’s the only way we can even know what righteousness is. james says that “every good and perfect gift comes from above” [1:17].
he is the source
if we are to become righteous like our perfect Father, it is only through him giving himself to us. and he doesn’t give to us because of something we do, but because of who he is and what he’s done.
Lord, teach our hearts to know that you are the source of all life and righteousness; we can do naught of value without you – move our hearts to long to abide in you and your word, that we may serve you and be reshaped into the likeness of your son.
~ stephen hall