Leaves Will Fall

As Christians, our life’s path should leave the fragrance of Christ and an exemplary trail for others to follow, one marked by good works that glorify our Father. But we are sinners by nature. When we do good, our righteousnesses (plural)—every honorable deed of prayer, praise, generosity, worship—become tainted, unclean (Isaiah 64:6a). Our strength, vigor of serving the Lord, and beauty of our works—fade like leaves in autumn, wither, and fall—the winds of sin swept us away: “. . . And we all do fade as a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away” (Isaiah 64:6b).

None of us are righteous, not even one; all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory (Romans 3:10, 23). But by placing our faith in Jesus, believing He died, spilling His blood to pay the penalty for our sins, are we made right before God. His righteousness in us will not judge with justice but grace. Yielding to Him, we can walk righteously and honor God year-round, leaving worthy works instead of dried, windblown leaves on a path for others to follow.