‘For I say unto you, that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.’ Mt 5:20
The Pharisees were exacting in their attempts to follow the laws. So how could Jesus reasonably call us to greater righteousness than theirs? The Pharisees' weakness was that they were content to obey the laws outwardly without their heart being changed (or attitudes). They looked pious, but they were far from Christ-likeness. God judges our hearts as well as our deeds, for it's in the heart that our real allegiance lies. Mirror the effort, but change the heart/attitude.
Jesus is calling us to a different kind of righteousness altogether (out of love for God), not just a more intense version of obedience. Our righteousness must (1) come from who God is, not what we do. (2) be God-centered, not self-centered, (3) be based on reverence for God, not approval from man, and (4) go beyond keeping the law to living by the principles behind the law. But be clear, we can’t ‘hide’ behind grace (God loves me unconditionally). True He does, but don’t let it become an excuse in your obedience. (Psa 5:6) God ‘abhors’ unrighteousness in one’s heart.
We must respond to God’s Word for who and what He is, not for what He bestows… HSAY
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