*Guard Against Self-Righteousness*
*Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.*
*1 CORINTHIANS 10:12*
There’s a tremendous difference between righteousness, as the Bible describes it, and* self-righteousness. Self-righteousness is the pious, sanctimonious, smug, superior, and judgmental attitude toward others based on the warped idea that you are better and holier than they are. This religiously transmitted disease is contagious among Christians. The only vaccine for it is an encounter with Jesus Christ, the incarnation of mercy and grace.
And to whom did Jesus show the most compassion? People who were involved in immorality of all types, such as prostitutes, adulterers, tax collectors, and thieves. It’s easy for us today to acknowledge that Jesus treated the self-righteous more severely than the real sinners. But still we sometimes fail to apply this standard to our own selves.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Therefore don’t be deceived: the unpleasant self-satisfaction of good works done is what infuriated our Lord the most. As a minister of God’s Word, one of the most intimidating enemies from which to guard your heart is SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS. There’s only one Person in the universe who has the right to be self- righteous, and He isn’t. So take your clue from Jesus. Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. (PROVERBS 16:18)
Your brother in Christ,
Apostle Ashok Martin