Why is it important to declare "Your righteousness alone" in our testimonies? Setting the Scene Psalm 71 flows from the heart of an aging believer who has walked with God for decades. Surrounded by threats, he refuses to focus on himself. Instead, he plans to “proclaim Your righteousness—Yours alone” (Psalm 71:16). That single phrase becomes a compass for every testimony we give. Key Verse “I will enter in the strength of the Lord GOD; I will proclaim Your righteousness—Yours alone.” What Does It Mean to Declare “Your Righteousness Alone”? • “Your righteousness” points exclusively to God’s moral perfection revealed in His character, His acts, and ultimately in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21). • “Alone” rules out any mixture—no self-credit, no self-salvation, no self-boasting (1 Corinthians 1:30-31). • A testimony that centers on His righteousness recounts how He rescued, justified, and continues to sanctify us, never how we earned or improved ourselves. Why We Must Center Our Testimony on His Righteousness • Gospel purity – Blending our own “good works” with His righteousness dilutes grace (Ephesians 2:8-9). – Scripture calls our best efforts “filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6). • Honest self-assessment – “There is no one righteous, not even one” (Romans 3:10). – Declaring His righteousness alone acknowledges our total dependence on mercy. • Christ-exalting focus – Jesus “became for us… righteousness” (1 Corinthians 1:30). – Pointing to Him draws hearers to the true Savior, not to a polished version of us. • Unshakable assurance – Our standing rests on a righteousness that can’t be lost or improved (Philippians 3:9). – Confidence grows when faith is anchored outside ourselves. • Powerful witness – People burdened by failure need to hear about divine, not human, success. – A testimony that showcases grace invites others into the same rescue (Psalm 71:15). Practical Ways to Keep His Righteousness Front and Center • Begin every story with what God did before mentioning your response. • Quote Scripture that highlights His saving work (2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 3:22-24). • Replace “I fixed…” with “He rescued…,” “He changed…,” “He forgave….” • Celebrate weaknesses that spotlight His strength (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). • Close by pointing listeners to trust Christ personally—never to copy your formula. Encouragement for Today When you speak of God’s work in your life, remember the psalmist’s resolve: “Your righteousness—Yours alone.” Such God-centered testimony magnifies grace, humbles the teller, and offers hope to every listener longing for a righteousness they could never produce. |
    |