Self – Righteousness

“And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon 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 every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”  Luke 18:9-14

Beside the above verses, I have written the following definition:

Self-Righteousness – “tolerance of our sins and intolerance of another’s sins”

How easy it is for us to become blind to our own faults while looking with disdain at the faults of others! After reading this passage the other day, I came across the following quote:

“The self-righteous never apologize” ~ Leonard Ravenhill

Maybe one good way to keep check on ourselves in this area of self-righteousness would be to ask ourselves, “When is the last time I have apologized for anything?”  “When is the last time I have told someone I was sorry?”  There is no one that is right ALL of the time. We all make mistakes. We all mess up. When we do, are we humble enough to admit it?

“Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.” Psalm 51:1-3