At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.  But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. – Titus 3:3-7 (NIV)

I have done and said things in my life that I am not proud of; at all.  These acts are proof of my unrighteousness, but they no longer define me.  The love of Christ has changed me from sinner to saint, from lost to found, from blind to seeing.  The lost blind sinner rears his ugly inclinations from time to time, but his power wanes as the found seeing saint gains strength and wisdom.  This is the path of righteousness.

My problem lies in perspective and memory.  Instead of being informed by my past through the eyes of grace, I allow it to rule the way I view myself and others. Grace redeems even the errant movements of my past and leads me toward righteousness.  When I begin to let my past sins peck away at that grace, my faith flounders and guilt sets in.  The righteousness from God overcomes our past and paints our future with hope and promise.

Righteousness does not come from us, but through us from God.  A daily understanding of this reality helps keep us humble and dependent before God.  This is a good place to be.

Lord, help me to look at my life through the eyes of grace.  May a right perspective of my life in You, lead me further into righteousness.  Let Your righteousness rule my heart, mind and eyes. Amen.