| The Subtle Sin of Self-Righteousness |
|
| |
When we hear the term “self-righteous,” we normally think of the religious Pharisees that Jesus so often spoke against. We may also think of “legalistic” people we have met over the years. We rarely think of ourselves when we hear the term “self-righteous.” However, self-righteousness is another one of those subtle sins of the heart that affects many of us, myself included. It is so subtle that we fail to detect it in ourselves, yet it hinders the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. If we will truly examine ourselves, we will see that it is there to some degree … some more than others.
The subtle sin of self-righteousness is actually more common than we realize. You don’t see it much in new believers because they realize they are new and that they have much to learn. You don’t see it much in older mature believers because God has broken them of pride and selfishness through many years of carrying their cross while following Jesus. All of us that are in-between, myself included, are susceptible to it. It is a form of pride that comes sometime after you are saved when you start to mature and get established in the faith. Webster’s Dictionary defines “self-righteousness” as “righteous in one’s own esteem; deeming one’s self righteous above others.” It is ugly in the eyes of God. When you see it in yourself, you will see its ugliness as well. Pride is an abomination to the Lord.
What are some of the symptoms of this subtle sin of self-righteousness? Do you get offended when someone questions your ideas or beliefs? Do you assume that you are right nearly all the time? Do you feel so set and comfortable in what you think and believe that you are no longer teachable? I have seen this in such a strong way in churches that have been around for a long time and are successful. When success comes and remains, we begin to stop the process of examining ourselves. Only when we allow the Holy Spirit to show us the condition of our hearts can we truly say we have undergone self-examination.
What is the solution?
“I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.” --- Jesus (John 12:24-25 NIV)
We must recognize the sin within us, repent of it, become broken in humility, and die to self. We must always remain teachable. We must acknowledge that we do not have all the answers. We must admit that some of what we currently believe could be in error, and ask the Holy Spirit to lead us into all truth.
The Lord said, “This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word.” (Isaiah 66:2)
|
|
Follow this blog
