"But as for me, I will come into Your house in the multitude of Your mercy; in fear of you I will worship toward Your holy temple" (Psalm 5:7). Even the righteous need a "multitude" of mercy from God because "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Rom. 3:23). The difference between the righteous and unrighteous can be defined, somewhat, by degree, at least in human terms—viewed horizontally. The "righteous" sin less than the "unrighteous", and lead a more positive, productive spiritual life. But, when considering the absolute holiness of God—viewed vertically from above—that "degree" of righteousness pales considerably.
The separation, in God’s view, is in attitude as much as it is in action. The righteous want God’s mercy, come seeking and asking Him for it, and "worship" Him in "fear" (respect, reverence, even fright at His Almighty power and perfection). Only the "multitude" of God’s mercy allows anyone entrance into His house. Obedience is indeed a prerequisite to acceptance by God (Heb. 5:8-9; I Peter 1:22) and flaunting God’s commands—on any level—will only produce His wrath (II Thess. 1:7-9). But in our prayers at the end of the day, let us seek mercy from God, not wages.
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