To be self-righteous is self-aggrandizement on display. It is a religious show of superiority and piety, rooted in pride. It harms oneself and others. Primarily, it dishonors God.
I imagine that everyone has been guilty of that sin at least a time or two. The trouble is that it is hard to see in oneself.
Yet, there are many Christians who have tended to their walk with Jesus and grown in His grace so deeply. Even though they are still sinners, self-righteous behavior is simply not something they struggle with.
As a follower of Christ, have you ever been falsely accused of being self-righteous? Many devoted believers face that accusation.
Unfortunately, this is one of those troubling issues that can cause a person to react with an intentional and quick response.
In those moments, we may respond without considering the attributes of the Spirit. A believer may react poorly and become defensive or angry.
So, even if the accused believer is innocent of self-righteousness, we have sinned in other ways by our response.
If you are born-again then you have been set apart. (1 Peter 2:9) We just look different, and that is by design.
Being set apart may seem to put a spiritual target on your back. But when a believer has put on the armor of God, the fiery darts of false accusations cannot hit their mark. (Ephesians 6:10-18)
It is easy to memorize passages like Ephesians 6. Yet it is quite another thing to put into practice. It doesn’t just happen. As your love for Jesus grows and deepens, your desire will be to honor Him.
As sons and daughters of God we are always fighting spiritual battles. Jesus told us that we would have troubles. But He also told us to take heart.
“I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have trouble; but cheer up! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
Now there are some practical steps believers should take when facing situations that tempt us to respond in anger or with a sarcastic reply.
Depending upon the situation, you may need to express regret for any perceived offense. That’s hard when you know you have done nothing wrong.
But if you have put on your daily armor, then you can be free to respond with patience and kindness, without accepting abuse.
What if you realize that you have indeed been self-righteous?
Be thankful when the Spirit reveals your sin. This is His loving work. Sin distances believers from God. Repentance brings restoration and peace with God.
Stop and think. Our Savior never sinned but He faced the full onslaught of temptation. (Hebrews 4:15)
Do you recall how our Savior overcame the tempter in the wilderness? (Matthew 4:1-11)
Take a look at this recollection from Seed Basket.
I hope that I will always remember to keep my spiritual armor snug and firmly wrapped around me.
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Isaiah 52:7
World English Bible (WEB)
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Statement of Faith
Getting the Seed out of the basket and into hungry hearts. Matthew 13 