Exceed Vain Righteousness

Focus: Matthew 5:20 - KJV

20. For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:17-20

Righteousness is simply living right with God. To some, it is about how people see you and your carriage per time; to others it is based on what God approves. The former are those who adorn the outside of their being, remain inwardly filthy and unacceptable to God. Such was the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees and it is a standard unpleasing to God. Hence, for those who are serious about wanting to enter into the kingdom of heaven, their righteousness must surpass such as described and rather be that which is clean inside out and appreciable unto God, the one who looks at the heart and not the outward adorning.

The Scribes and the Pharisees were them that led the Jewish Council in the things of God. They enforced the laws of Moses over the people, the bulk of which laws they were themselves wanting in. Even though the people did not see through their shenanigans, God saw through it all. The same was true of the house of Jesse when the Lord sought to make one of his sons a king instead of Saul. There was none of his sons that had righteousness that surpassed that of the Scribes and the Pharisees, save David. In many congregations today, the righteousness of most members is like that of the whitewashed sepulcher, and nothing to write home about. Yet, if the righteousness is not standard, there is no making the kingdom.

The kingdom of heaven is upon us and that is why we observe some people already enjoying heaven on earth. All around such people is found the peace and tranquility of God even while they are earthly residents. God’s invitation to us to be absolutely righteous is for our own good so that even from this present plane, we can begin to experience the kingdom of heaven and be set apart from the rest. Hence, it is an open invitation to us to check ourselves and get out of the pretext of righteousness; but truly be righteous and acceptable unto God, for greater glory.

Please pray:

Thank you, Lord for showing me how to be righteous indeed through my walk with you. Every aspect of my life that seem to deceive people albeit myself about righteousness, kindly help to deal with the same now, by yourself in Jesus’ name. Let your Spirit guide me into exceeding righteousness at all times for the rest of my life, in Jesus’ name. In the end, please help me so that I may make the kingdom of heaven even as I begin to enjoy heaven on earth from today, in Jesus’ name.

Please share with others. God bless you.