Self-righteousness is a lifestyle controlled by some pleasing doctrines created by the wise great men. Hypocrisy is pandemic in the Christendom. Why? Self-righteousness has replaced godly righteousness in the church. Why?

A big log of wood fell off my eyes and I want you to read today’s message with an open-heart, because it will help you to escape the trap of self-righteousness.

The Parable of Self-Righteousness

… Jesus spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:

“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. “The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men–extortionist, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector.

‘I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’

“And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise 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, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 18:9-14)

This parable reveals that self-righteousness is common among the religious people. The tax collector was justified, because he realized his sinful life and wanted God’s mercy for a change in lifestyle.

The Lord will never contradict Himself, only sinners who repent shall be justified. Proverbs chapter 28 verse 13 says: “He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.”

Thus, every Christian must be careful to avoid stumbling into hypocrisy.

8 Actions of Self-Righteousness

It is a virtue rated by man and not by God. Self-righteousness is highly esteemed among people, but it is an abomination before the Lord. Self–righteousness includes;

1. Unnecessary Segregation

The self-righteous people believe they rank higher in holiness than others, so they don’t relate with everybody except their caucus.

2. Blowing Trumpets

They announce the number of souls won, the amount spent on the poor and how important their presence and finances helps the church.

3. Sitting on the Fence

Self-righteous people put one of their legs in worldliness and the other in church doctrines. They might be physically clean but spiritually dirty or vice versa.

4. Self-righteousness Loves Praises

They want the Pastor to always exalt them on the pulpit for their wonderful gifts to the church. They prefer all eyes to be on them for admiration. The self-righteous present themselves as church celebrities!

5. Dislike Corrections

The self-righteous are educative, so they thought their knowledge of the Bible surpass others. They love to correct others, but they don’t want corrections.

6. Good Judge

The self-righteous condemns those struggling with the stronghold of sins. But, if you ask them to substantiate their hypocrisy with the Bible, you hear them say “thou shall not judge…”

7. Boastful

Self-righteousness is filled with pride. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because you build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the monuments of the righteous, and say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.’” (Matthew 23:29-30).

8. Inventors of new Doctrines

The most powerful tool that divides the Christendom is self-righteousness. Many church founders choose to be unique by creating diverse doctrines that do not originate from Jesus Christ. Each Founder considers theirs to be the right church.

5 Ways to Guard against Self-Righteousness

The antonym of self-righteousness is godly righteousness, thus;

1. Give the Holy Spirit the total control of your life.

2. Don’t put yourself under church doctrines but give yourself to instructions of Jesus in the Bible.

3. Don’t make Pastors and Prophets your role model, but make Jesus Christ your role model.

4. Believe in Jesus and don’t put hope in great men.

5. The lifestyle of many superiors is self-righteousness. So, imitate the lifestyle of Jesus written in the Bible.

Self-righteousness is like a filthy rag before the Lord (Isaiah 64:6). But, godly righteousness is the basic need for you to enjoy eternal rest in Heaven. In the book of Matthew chapter 25 verses 46, Jesus says: “And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”