Philippians 3:9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

Do the right thing. Be right. Righteous acts. We hear terms like this and others that always point to us.

Allow me to go far afield of normal thinking. Going back to the first use meaning of righteousness.

Genesis 15:6 And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.

Abraham believed God, did nothing but believe, I say again, did nothing, and righteousness was placed in his account. This had nothing to do with Abraham’s actions, life, or even obedience of faith. All Abraham had to do was believe God.

The primitive root to the Hebrew word for righteousness means rectitude. This stems from the idea that God has the right to do as He wills. The issue of justice, just, and justification are all drawn from the issue of God’s right to declare anything according to His will and has no attachment whatsoever to the recipient of His declaration.

We attach and I mean we, not God, we attach right to action. Our need to do so does not stem from our right standing before God but a sense of judgment. My actions will be judged, I better be right. That is the law, legalism and has nothing to do with God’s righteousness.

We are declared righteous by faith by God who has the authority to do so. Nothing we can do, no matter what it is, can undo what God declares. We do not have the power or authority to undo what God has declared. Because of the insecurities laid upon us by those who would judge us, we want to be right. Our actions are based more on opinion and fear of judgment than faith. So what should your motive be?

1 Timothy 1:5 The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. ESV

Aim to love.