Because I don’t do much baking, I haven’t invested in many utensils and often have to improvise. 

For instance, when following directions that call for ‘a large mixing bowl’, I can compare only among the dishes I own myself, hoping they will be the right size. 

Unfortunately, this sometimes results in overflowing batter when, in fact, my largest bowl is too small.

Personal righteousness is similar. We compare ourselves to things most familiar to us—other people. We may think that as we haven’t committed adultery or murdered anyone, and because we are honest, unlike some, surely God is pleased with us.

Scripture tells a different story. God doesn’t compare us to our neighbours or even to the likes of Christian martyrs. The measure of righteousness is God’s own perfection. 

When called ‘Good Teacher’, Jesus answered, ‘No one is good but God alone’ (Mark 10:18, NRSV). 

Compared to this standard, we all fall woefully short. Thankfully, our compassionate God ‘made [Christ] to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God’ (2 Corinthians 5:21). 

Through Christ we can approach God in confidence, knowing that instead of our sinfulness, God sees the righteousness of Jesus Christ in us.

Prayer: Dear Father, thank you for making a provision for us through the sacrifice of your Son. Amen