"For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God" Romans 10:3

Most of us, if asked would deny being self-righteous. And yet, if we're honest with ourselves, we must admit that self-righteousness clings to us like Lazarus' grave clothes. One of the hardest things for a sinner to shed is his self-righteousness. This one fact alone has condemned many a sinner.

Rather than seeing thernselves in the light of God's holy character, many are comparing themselves with one another. Comparing ones self with another is a deadly game. It makes people feel good but it blinds them to the true standard which is God's righteousness. In light of God's righteousness, our best righteousness is but filthy rags. This is true no matter how good one looks next to his neighbor.

There are many going about to establish their own righteousness. As someone once wrote, to many, righteousness is a "matter of attainment: an ascent to a difficult height where the climber might exult in his success."

They will not humble themselves to receive by faith the righteousness which God gives freely to sinners in Christ. Christ's righteousness alone satisfies the holy character of God. We must submit ourselves to Him, seeking to be made righteous by Him. Apart from His righteousness we have no righteousness.