Romans 3:5-18 NKJV

[5] But if our unrighteousness demonstrates the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unjust who inflicts wrath? (I speak as a man.) [6] Certainly not! For then, how will God judge the world? [7] For if the truth of God has increased through my lie to His glory, why am I also still judged as a sinner? [8] And why not say, “Let us do evil that good may come”?—as we are slanderously reported and as some affirm that we say. Their condemnation is just. [9] What, then? Are we better than they? Not at all. For we have previously charged both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin. [10] As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one; [11] There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God. [12] They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one.” [13] “Their throat is an open tomb; With their tongues they have practiced deceit”; “The poison of asps is under their lips”; [14] “Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.” [15] “Their feet are swift to shed blood; [16] Destruction and misery are in their ways; [17] And the way of peace they have not known.” [18] “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”

Five little words make up the greatest lie man has ever bought into... "I am a good person."

I like to think there is some good in me. I make good decisions (most of the time). I try to treat people the way I want to be treated (almost always). I like to see others succeed (except for one or two who are really rotten humans). I love my family (even if I speak harshly or use unkind words).

If I break down "the goods," I can EASILY follow them up with "the bads." I can put on airs. I can act caring and kind. I can return good for good, but I can easily return evil for evil. What does that say for me? Am I righteous at all?

My goodness, if there is any to be found, is purely the work of the Holy Spirit within me. I am slowly being sanctified. The progress experiences setbacks when my flesh gets in the way, which is a common occurrence.

I am grateful that I do not rest on my own righteousness. My salvation isn't hinged on my ability to do right all the time. I would be in a mess without Jesus. All the good I am capable of would be just enough to get me into the gates of hell.