Insight from our Singing - part 17

We are nearly coming to the conclusion of this series, which I have enjoyed immensely.  It has been a unique devotional experience to read through a hymnbook and examine the lyrics of both familiar songs and songs that are new to me. 
I came across one of these songs that were new to me just the other day.

No list of sins that I have not done, no list of virtues I pursue,
No list of those I am not like can earn myself a place with you.
O God! Be merciful to me I am a sinner through and through
My only hope of righteousness is not in my but only you.

The song is called "Not in Me".  As I read the words, it struck me how often we as Christians think about ourselves.  Somewhere in our theology we know that we are sinners, but fail to realize how often we try and achieve righteousness on our own.  Think of how this first verse of this song characterizes ways that people tend to think about themselves and their righteousness.

1. We make lists of sins we have not done. 

2. We make lists of all of the good things we try and do.

3. We make a list of those we are not like.

I have never murdered or committed adultery.  I have instead tried to tithe and go to church and be a good person.  And I am not nearly as bad as _______________.  And as we tell ourselves these things we subtly are trying to build a case for our own rightness before God.  And in doing so we forget that we cannot do this by works.  Our salvation was by grace alone, why would our sanctification be any different.  We (on our own) are still drawn to our old patterns of behavior.  Only when we look at ourselves as being united with Christ and find our identity in him can we have any hope of righteousness. 

It is humbling to realize that not a single thing that we do (before or after we have been saved) can earn us favor with God.  Only the work already done for us by Christ has the power to change our position.   It is a good reminder that my righteousness is not in me.  Praise be to Christ for giving me His righteousness!