Philippians 3:6. “Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law blameless.”
RIGHTEOUSNESS BASED ON THE LAW. It stands unchanging – carved in stone Inflexible, hard and cold – demanding Perfect in holiness – exacting in righteousness A standard of absolute perfection – unattainable
Emotionless, unswerving – universal A teacher with a stick – unmovable
A scale with weights – incomparable A standard far higher than mortal men – unreachable
The phylacteries are in place – obviously The alms are given – dutifully The prayers are heard – publicly The dress code is adhered to – perfectly
One’s heart is focused – in anxiety The ears are opened – to petty instructions No smile of contentment upon the lips That would be sacrilege
Days are kept track of carefully The number of steps taken religiously Food intake observed under scrutiny Always trying to measure one’s self outwardly
Anger directed to those who rejoice Criticism of those who live in love Organized against changes that reach the heart Determined opposition to biblical commitment
Always afraid inside, that something is undone Always conscious of the persecution of others Covering fear with strict rules and demands Striving for perfection and righteousness unattainable
“I thank Thee, O Righteous God, for grace that is greater than all my sin. What relief, what joy, what peace I have in Thee. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”
All of these religious things would have exalted him before man and even in his own mind, until he had the mind of Christ. Now he had the right perspective when he compared himself with his Lord. Everything he had and all he attained was loss when he had the mind of Christ. Things of the past need to be forgotten and we can now find our joy in the Lord Jesus Christ. It is a good thing for me to ask myself, "What am I willing to change in my life for Christ's sake? What am I honestly willing to lose in order to be like Him and serve Him wholeheartedly?"