Avoid self-righteousness

red flowers@Kodaikanal

28 January 2012   

Generally human beings are prone to be self-righteous and proud about many things around them. Some time we like to tell other people how to behave and act, as if we never do anything wrong.
 

What is being self-righteous?

•             Exhibiting self-assurance: self-righteous remarks.

•          convinced of one's own righteousness especially in contrast with the actions and beliefs of others

So, a self-righteous person is one who acts as if he is morally superior to everyone. 

The Bible says that all people are sinners and we cannot meet God's standard for righteousness and righteousness comes from God alone. 

Righteousness is based on faith in God's promises. It is something that is assigned by God and one can never be "self-righteous."

Since righteousness is not that something connected to what we do, but the result of what God has done for us.

• "Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 6:1

• “No one is perfect; we are all sinners in one way or another’ Romans 3:23.

When we  are Living a decent life means taking all the responsibility for controlling our own behavior. We are pinned down by moral and ethical values.

 If we say or even think or act, as if we are better than people, we consider to be "sinners," we are guilty and accountable for the sin of self-righteousness.

 It is not right to look down on, criticize, judge, condemn, or try to control other people. Judgment is to be left to God. 
Jesus said,

• “Do not judge, so that you may not be judged. For with the judgment you make you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. Why do you see the speck in your neighbor's eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your neighbor, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' while the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor's eye. Matthew 7:1-5

• ‘Do you see a person wise in their own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for them. Proverbs 26:12,

• ‘Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight. Isaiah 5:21,

So, have no excuse, do not  pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. BEWARE!  

Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth.

• So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? Romans 2:1-4,

• ‘Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God. 1 Corinthians 4:5,

•  ‘If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us. 1 John 1:8

 better be alert and keep your mouth tied up and not passing resentment on others. YOU are accountable to what  you think, act and speak. Take care.

God bless