A familiar passage in the gospels warns of the dangers of self-righteousness.
He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 18:9-14 ESV
Hopefully, most believers understand that our salvation is solely based on the completed work of Christ by grace and faith. Yet self-righteousness is a trap we can all easily fall into.
We do it when we want to deny the effects of our own sin, thinking, “Well, yes, I do that, but at least I’m not as bad as someone else.”
The battle against self is the greatest one we will ever face. Self is the source of all sin. Adam and Eve wanted to be like God.
Jesus’ brother, James, puts it this way.
Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when lured and enticed by his desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. James 1:13-15 ESV
Our sinful nature is selfish. This is compounded by the fact that we live in a fallen world that encourages us to be self-centered and follow our sin-filled hearts. Giving into temptation is glorified as a victory and our right. That thinking is straight from the pit of hell and smells like smoke.
To battle self, let us fix our eyes upon Jesus. The Holy Spirit strengthens us, and the Word encourages and directs us.
Lord Jesus, teach us to understand who we are in you and to live accordingly. Help us set aside our old, self-reliant ways and guard us from sin.
Until next time, may you be ever more like Jesus.
Be blessed
Hallelu Yah / Praise God
Kevin
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