Key Text: 1 Peter 1:15 KJV - But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;

Beloved, when God weighs you in His balances, you will be found wanting if your righteousness is not of God in Christ Jesus. Except your righteousness shall exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the Kingdom of heaven - Matthew 5:20. Self-righteousness is like filthy rags and falls short of God's standard of true righteousness and holiness.

King Amaziah did that which was right in the sight of the Lord (2 Chronicles 25:2), but not with a perfect heart. Although he was declared righteous, something was missing; and that is perfection. The Lord is looking for clean hands and a pure heart (Psalm 24:4), that is outward and inward holiness, respectively. Let your actions be right before men and your motives acceptable or perfect before God.

You may be a good or righteous man, doing your level best as far as men can see but without Christ you will not qualify for heaven. God commanded Abraham to walk before Him and be perfect - Genesis 17:1. In like manner, Jesus commands believers to be perfect, even as our Father which is in heaven is perfect. It means that we should love like God - loving and doing good to those who hate us. That is perfection - perfect love.

Prayer: O Lord as I walk before you, let the light of Christ in me so shine that others may find Him, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Reflection: ... with men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible - Matthew 19:26.