Throughout The Book of Romans, Paul argues that trying to do right all the time is an exercise in futility. Not that we should give up on good behavior, but we should not consider it necessary for acceptance into the Kingdom of God. When our own action is the central hero of our lives, we will find ourselves in cycles of incapacity, shame and sin - a path that leads to spiritual death. The only way to avoid this cycle is a life of faith - to trust and hope in Jesus. To believe in Him and all that He has done. And do our best in response, moving out of acceptance rather than toward it.