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Righteousness.... Some say we obtain righteousness by observing and obeying God's laws. We are acceptable to God when we do "good things."  However, Paul tells us in Romans 3:20 "Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin." Here we see that we can't place our faith in the Law and carry out the deeds of the Law in order to be in proper standing with God.
The Law only causes us to become aware of the fact that we are sinners. Also, the Law came many years after Abraham (who God declared righteous in James 2:23 "And the scripture was fulfilled that says, 'Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,' and he was called God's friend"). So then what do we have faith in?
Paul goes on to say, "But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe." Paul declares that we are to have faith in Christ (in the work he did on the cross), and by doing so, our relationship, or our standing with God, is now as it should be.
True righteousness requires more than just faith. In James 2:24 it says, "A man is called righteous by the things he does, not just by his faith." We strive for righteousness.  Although faith is required to prove ourselves righteous, speaking about what we believe is what saves us. In Romans 10:10 it says, "It is this belief in your heart that makes you righteous, but it's your mouth, when it confesses this, that brings salvation."
For this today, I am thankful.