Romans 1:17 "A righteousness that is by faith."
Paul is introducing his letter to the Romans and clarifies what his mission and purpose is. He has been called by God to spread the gospel to "Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and unwise." He writes that he is not embarrassed or "ashamed" of the gospel as it provides salvation to all who believe. He explains that this gospel of salvation and the righteousness within, is provided to us via faith.
In our hyper achievement focused society it often feels like our faith too should be achievement oriented. I too often view my faith and spiritual life through a lens of what I have done and what I am doing. Am I reading the Bible enough? Am I attending church enough? Am I serving or giving enough? Faith boils down to a spiritual report card based on me and what I have done. But that's not the way it works. When I get into this mindset, I am missing the mark (which is the definition of sin btw). Our righteousness and our relationship with God is through faith. It's not through works. It's not through what I am doing. It's not through my spiritual report card. It's faith. Today I need to be reminded it is not about what I do but about what Jesus has done for me.
Dear Jesus, release me from the exhausting treadmill of trying to impress you and earn your favor. Remind me how good you are and how good the gospel truly is. Amen.
