Isaiah 64:6a “We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment.”

Philippians 3:4b, 8b “...If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more…For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish…”

Most people would agree that confidence is a good thing, encouraging us to attempt things that might otherwise seem impossible, keeping us from losing hope when things look dark, and providing solid footing for us to stand on. Misplaced confidence, however, can be as dangerous a thing as confidence is a good thing. As followers of Jesus, we know that it is always a mistake to put our confidence in the flesh. Ultimately, flesh will fail; it is weak and cannot protect long against an adversary as determined and strong as the devil. Many people step into battle each day wearing a breastplate which, in their own mind, is strong and shiny, forged by their own good deeds and polished by their own accomplishments. Looking through the filter of their egos, they are more than prepared for battle. But our own righteousness is little more protection than filthy rags. Paul told the new church that he above all others had reason to trust in his own righteousness but realized, after having seen the righteousness of Christ, that his was basically worthless. Never trust in your own righteousness to protect you. Even a ‘good’ person cannot defend for long. The holes are there…even if you cannot see them.

Pray: “Holy Lord, I often think of myself as being a good person. But good is not good enough to protect me against the spiritual forces I face every day. Regardless of what I believe my own righteousness to be, I know that it pales by comparison to the righteousness of my Lord Jesus. You offer me the better protection by not trusting in myself. Today, Father, I accept your offer and thank you, Jesus, for protecting me as I never could – Amen”