Innocent Before God?

How can a mortal be innocent before God? Can anyone born of a woman be pure? [Job 25.4]

Bildad sure asked the question, didn't he?

We know elsewhere in the Bible it is stated that, "No one is righteous - not even one." [Romans 3.10]

So what are mere mortals to do?

I am gradually understanding that my life is not about me. It is a hard lesson, but I am studying it every day. More and more I am facing the reality that the world does not revolve around me and my story.

There is something to be said here for seeking God's Kingdom first. My righteousness is not found in my personal accomplishments - even at being found perfectly innocent. My righteousness is found in seeking God's Kingdom above all else. I suppose it is not ironic that the actual text of what Jesus commanded was, "Seek first the Kingdom of God AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS..."

So, it's not really about me being innocent BEFORE God as much as it is about me being innocent FROM God.

There is no righteousness to be found in me that is from me and my own doing.

The only way for me to be found righteous is for God to impart righteousness to me. And that won't happen unless I seek Him first and foremost above all else.

How have we so digressed to think that if we just go to church and try to do good that all will be well? Righteousness has nothing to do with our going to church and trying to do good! Righteousness comes from God - and only then when His Kingdom is sought first! Kingdom work cannot be a one-day-a-week priority!

What is the Kingdom of God? It is the realm outside my "self." When I put the needs of others above my own needs, I have stepped into the Kingdom of God. When I consider the life of others more important than my own, I have stepped into the Kingdom of God. When my personal satisfaction and fulfillment is ignored for the sake of another, I have stepped into the Kingdom of God. When I lay down my life for a friend, I have stepped into the Kingdom of God. When I give up my rights in order to benefit another, I have stepped into the Kingdom of God. When my life and purpose on earth are found in service to others, I have stepped into the Kingdom of God.

These are all teachings Jesus promoted with His words and His actions. When I take Jesus seriously at His word, I have stepped into the Kingdom of God.

You see, it is not about me being innocent before God. But it is about me being innocent from God.

So, CAN a man be innocent before God? The answer is no.

CAN a man be innocent from God? Yes. Absolutely yes. By Jesus, in obeying His instructions and modeling His life, yes.

Father, thank You for Jesus. Thank You that it is not about my innocence before You, but absolutely about Your innocence found upon me.