Eschew Self-Righteousness

Focus: Psalms 16:2 – KJV - 2. O my soul, thou hast said unto the LORD, Thou art my Lord: my goodness extendeth not to thee;

Our focus today points at the essence of deep spiritual humility and the surrender of our own self-righteousness. Scriptures say all our righteousness are like filthy rags before the Lord. Rather than standing tall to thump our chest before the Lord, we should always concede righteousness unto God by remaining humble in all manner of conversation. For if the Lord marks iniquity, none can stand. Those who do so obtain the mercy of the Lord instead of judgment.

Jesus describes a Pharisee standing in the temple boasting loudly about his personal resume. He bragged about his fasting, his tithing, and his superior moral checklist, firmly believing his own goodness extended to heaven. In sharp contrast, a despised tax collector stood far off in the shadows. He wouldn't even lift his eyes toward heaven. Instead, he beat his chest in deep sorrow and cried out a simple prayer: God be merciful to me a sinner.  The publican didn't bring a list of achievements to God's desk. He knew his human goodness was completely bankrupt. He threw himself onto the mercy of the Lord. Jesus declared that this humble man went home justified and right with God, while the arrogant braggart was completely rejected.

The bane of many believers is found in self-righteousness and the tendency to claim rights against the Lord. Incidentally, wherever the enemy finds sin, he moves with some alacrity to destroy the victim. It is not God that moves us to sin and therefore it will be foolhardy to put the blame of our sin on Him. Let us therefore, climb down from our high horses that we may obtain grace from the Lord who can ransom us from the hands of the enemy. It is important that we realize this fact so as never to puff up in the presence of God to claim rights.

Prayer:

Father, I thank you for your mercies that endure forever. Please forgive my self-righteous postures in times past that I may obtain favor from you. Help me to always remember that all of my carriage and self-righteousness are not of any consequence in the realm of Heaven. Let me obtain mercy from you and not be judged of my misdeeds in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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