Romans 9
30 What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; 31 but the people of Israel, who pursued the law as the way of righteousness, have not attained their goal. 32 Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone. 33 As it is written:
“See, I lay in Zion a stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall, and the one who believes in him will never be put to shame.”
Where do you base your Christian growth – in your pursuit of God or in pursuit of good works so that God may be pleased. The Gentiles did not obtain righteousness by doing righteous works but by believing in the finished work of Christ at the cross that makes us righteous. The Israelites pursued the law and end up not attaining their goal because it either produced legalism or defeat because nobody can fulfill the law. Only Christ was able to fulfill the law because he lived a sinless life.
Do not pursue Christ by doing good works. Your good works is a result of your relationship with Christ. Instead of trying harder, believe better on Christ’s love, forgiveness and righteousness.