Isaiah 64:6 All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.

Our human righteousness is as filthy rags, but Jesus’ righteousness is bulletproof. Righteousness is more than just forgiveness. It’s right standing before God. Jesus became sin so that we can be made righteous. Jesus was not a sinner, but He became sin on the cross so that I will be righteous in Him. I am not righteous in myself. Jesus died on the cross taking upon Himself, my sins so that I can live as a righteous person. This robe of righteousness is powerful protection from the condemnation of the devil.

If salvation protects the head, righteousness protects the heart. If our heart condemns us, we have something bigger than our heart…the blood of Jesus. The cross is greater than our heart: that’s why Jesus’ righteousness protects the heart. Through righteousness, we are as bold as a lion (Proverbs 28:1), not easily shaken (Psalm 112:6), and we get up after we fall (Proverbs 24:16). Blessed are those who thirst for righteousness (Matthew 5:6). God delivers the righteous man from all afflictions (Psalm 34:19). We reign in life through the gift of righteousness (Romans 5:17).

Every believer has this righteousness, but not every believer puts on His righteousness. This means that they aren’t constantly aware of who they are in Christ.

Look at Isaiah 64:6, “We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags.” We are banged up, messed up and beat up. We may feel worthless, but we’re valuable.  Look at verse 8, “And yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are the potter. We all are formed by your hand.”

The maker of the universe crafted YOU. The One who had the creative vision to form the mountains and the valleys, the rivers and the canyons, the oceans and the plains creatively formed you as well. He chose the color of your eyes, the pigment of your skin, and the curl of your hair – or lack thereof. His fingerprints are on you. His signature is on your soul. 

You have value because your maker matters. 

Our value is determined by what someone is willing to pay. Someone was willing to pay a great price for you. Someone was willing to pay the ultimate price for you. You are so valuable to Jesus that, according to Phil 2, “He gave up his divine privileges; He took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, He humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.” He gave up His divine privileges as the son of God, humbled himself, and died an excruciating death.

You are so valuable that He was mocked, beaten and nailed to a cross. You are so valuable that He defeated the grave so you could be reconciled with the Father. That’s the value you hold. Jesus has deemed you extremely valuable because he was willing to pay the price for you! You are not worthless. Your maker matters. Your value is determined by the great price Jesus was willing to pay. Your name is Valuable.

Don’t just store God’s armor in your head; you need to “dress” your mind and actions with it!