We are reminded of time everywhere we turn. We all have some general awareness of time. We have watches, phones, public clocks, appointments to re-sync us throughout the day.
This morning I was particularly reminded of time in looking at the new watch my kids got me to keep track of my time when I run or bike. I watched the seconds tick past. My mind drifted away in thought and I realized I wasn’t really doing anything substantive. I was just existing.
Then it hit me.
Even in these seemingly innocent or perhaps ‘neutral’ moments, I am still a sinner. I still have a need for righteousness.
Sometimes I fall into the trap of thinking of applying Jesus perfect righteousness to the bad stuff that I do and think, but this is just the half of it. There is also the good stuff that I fail to do and think. And still more, there is the good stuff that I do for the wrong reasons. What a mess.
So as I sit there and the seconds tick by in unison to my heart beat I am reminded that I need perfect righteousness. I need to be covered in the absolutely impeccable, unfading, eternally acceptable righteousness of Jesus. I need this righteousness every minute of every hour of every day.
Why is the need so great?
Because I am such a sinner. I need this righteousness every moment because I am that bad, God is that holy, and Christ is that good. Every beat of my heart is a declaration of neediness. As it beats I must cling to Christ’s righteousness like the woman with the issue of blood clung to Christ’s robe.
What a little Pharisee I can flex into. Can’t you relate?
This little Pharisee’s death will come but it will coincide with my own. Until then I press on into Christ with a needy and humble resolve to trust and treasure him.