Romans 9:30-33 NKJV

[30] What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness of faith; [31] but Israel, pursuing the law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness. [32] Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone. [33] As it is written: “Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense, And whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.”

There is a certain amount of pride that comes from anything we accomplish on our own. When I do something above average, I am proud of it. I like seeing a job well done. I especially appreciate having done it myself.

Salvation is NOT like work.

The Pharisees were very legalistic. They were rule followers. Their ability to adhere to the law was their gateway to God... and was ultimately their downfall. They were self-reliant, pious, and proud; unfit for use in the Kingdom they so proudly "earned."

I know how good I am. I am not enough. I am broken and completely dependent on Jesus for my salvation. I don't deserve it. I haven't earned it. Knowing that we can't do it on our own is what makes us fit, faithful servants of the Lord.