The Bible is filled with divine revelations which instruct us concerning God and people as well. God and sinful men have something in common, that we are totally consistent. God and His immutable righteousness is established and unchanging, and so is the folly of man and his ways. Even as plant varieties grow well in particular conditions and species of animals have instincts and behaviours which are predictable, so it is with the natural man to trust himself.
The introduction to a parable Jesus told reveals an consistent connection amongst people we should take note of. Luke 18:9 says, "Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others..." He went on to talk about a Pharisee who prayed with himself and a tax collector who did not feel worthy to even look to heaven because of his sin. I expect the people were shocked when Jesus confirmed it was the humble sinner and not the Pharisee who went home justified. Jesus spoke this parable to people who trusted in their own righteousness and consequently hated others.
Just today I was reminded of an interaction I had with a fellow Christian years ago who believed it was an ethical imperative to only buy clothing and shoes which he deemed "ethically sourced." He seemed to pride himself on paying a premium for materials and he knitted his own clothing to ensure his high standards were met. He believed his purchasing decisions were an extension of his faith in Christ, and he spoke disparagingly of Christians who did not share his strong convictions. In that conversation the connection between self-righteousness and thinking poorly of others who did not measure up to his ethical standard was on display.
A more personal example to illustrate the truth of scripture is in my own life. I was once mired in a self-righteous mindset and also looked down on others with disdain. I was disgusted with the hypocrisy in others I was keenly enabled to see because it was also true of me. I was the one straining out a gnat and swallowing camels! Paul wrote in Romans 2:1, "Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things." Praise the LORD God showed grace, love, compassion, and mercy on me when I was unwilling to do the same for others. When we realise our own righteousness is a liability and our righteousness comes only by faith in Jesus Christ by His grace, it opens up an avenue of love through us which never existed before.
The introduction to a parable Jesus told reveals an consistent connection amongst people we should take note of. Luke 18:9 says, "Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others..." He went on to talk about a Pharisee who prayed with himself and a tax collector who did not feel worthy to even look to heaven because of his sin. I expect the people were shocked when Jesus confirmed it was the humble sinner and not the Pharisee who went home justified. Jesus spoke this parable to people who trusted in their own righteousness and consequently hated others.
Just today I was reminded of an interaction I had with a fellow Christian years ago who believed it was an ethical imperative to only buy clothing and shoes which he deemed "ethically sourced." He seemed to pride himself on paying a premium for materials and he knitted his own clothing to ensure his high standards were met. He believed his purchasing decisions were an extension of his faith in Christ, and he spoke disparagingly of Christians who did not share his strong convictions. In that conversation the connection between self-righteousness and thinking poorly of others who did not measure up to his ethical standard was on display.
A more personal example to illustrate the truth of scripture is in my own life. I was once mired in a self-righteous mindset and also looked down on others with disdain. I was disgusted with the hypocrisy in others I was keenly enabled to see because it was also true of me. I was the one straining out a gnat and swallowing camels! Paul wrote in Romans 2:1, "Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things." Praise the LORD God showed grace, love, compassion, and mercy on me when I was unwilling to do the same for others. When we realise our own righteousness is a liability and our righteousness comes only by faith in Jesus Christ by His grace, it opens up an avenue of love through us which never existed before.
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