Confessions Pt. 2: "The Flesh Counts For Nothing"

You're right. When we compare ourselves and our good deeds to the Righteousness of the Almighty God, all that amounts is self-righteousness; a "righteousness" that cannot merit the gift of eternal life, nor the taste of saving grace. In light of this comparison, what good is our righteousness? I utter the words of the Prophet Isaiah in 64:6, "For all of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment". What is this filthy garment Isaiah speaks of? In context, a filthy garment is-pardon the crude description-an unclean menstrual rag.

Now.

When we compare ourselves and our 'righteousness' to the Righteousness of the Almighty God, it is quite clear and evident that "all have fallen short of the glory of God" as the Apostle Paul states.

However.

When I compare myself to the fellow man who desires holiness and lives a life striving for such consecration; evidence found in a broken heart and a contrite spirit in a manner and state of repentance, cultivating the tasteful Fruit of the Holy Spirit, watered in tears of penitence, why can I not find myself in such a divine place? The arousal of the flesh taking opportunity in the Law of my God, I feel, overcomes me.

See now my lack of faith! See now the frail love that I have for You my loving Lord! Knowledge has burned in my mind that the flesh counts for nothing, yet my soul finds itself in anguish, at war, at constant battle with the dividing desires of my heart-a desire for holiness yet a desire to satisfy the flesh rather than the Words of my God!

"Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!" - Romans 7:24-25

I may lose battle after battle, but victory over the war is guaranteed.

Your promises are so sure.

"Create in me a clean heart and renew a steadfast spirit within me...

Restore to me the joy of Thy salvation, and sustain me with a willing spirit"