Christian character

18
Apr
2024
Seeing Clearly: Overcoming Self-Righteousness

Seeing Clearly: Overcoming Self-Righteousness

Self-righteousness – the belief we’re superior to others – creates a blind spot hindering our connection with God and others.

Blindness of Self-Righteousness

Matthew 7:3 – “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?”

Jesus uses a memorable image: someone trying to remove a speck from another’s eye while having a “plank” in their own. We can’t see clearly to help others if our own issues remain unaddressed.

Self-righteousness fosters hypocrisy, resentment, and isolation.

Signs of Self-Righteousness

Self-righteousness can be subtle. Here are some signs:

  • Constant Comparison: We judge ourselves superior or inferior based on achievements, looks, or opinions.
  • Disdain for Others: We look down on those with differing beliefs, labeling them as “sinners” or “enemies.”
  • Justifying Ourselves: We use our interpretation of scripture or tradition to justify actions and attitudes, ignoring other perspectives or God’s guidance.
  • Unwillingness to Admit Mistakes: We refuse apologies or blame others for our problems.
  • Echo Chambers: We avoid those who challenge us and surround ourselves with those who agree or praise us.

Overcoming Self-Righteousness

Conquering self-righteousness requires God’s grace and support from others. Here’s how to break free:

  • Confession and Forgiveness: Admit our imperfections, seeking God’s forgiveness and cleansing. We acknowledge His love and acceptance are based on grace, not merit.
  • Self-examination and Repentance: Regularly ask God to reveal hidden sins and self-righteous attitudes. Repent and seek renewal.
  • Openness to God’s Word and Others: Study scripture without manipulation, submitting to its authority. Learn from Christians with diverse backgrounds and respect their insights.
  • Humility and Servant-hood: Think of others more highly than ourselves, seeking to glorify God and serve others, not ourselves.
  • Love and Grace: Love others as God loves them, replacing judgment with compassion. Forgive as God forgives us, fostering fellowship and avoiding isolation.

Helping Others Overcome Self-Righteousness

Self-righteousness impacts our relationships. Here’s how to help others:

  • Modeling Christ-like Behavior: Show humility, grace, and love through words and actions. Don’t boast, but acknowledge God’s grace. Encourage and uplift others.
  • Truth Spoken in Love: Address self-righteousness gently and respectfully. Challenge and correct, but avoid attacking or accusing. Use persuasive words that bring healing.
  • Prayer: Pray with and for others, relying on God’s guidance.
  • Support and Fellowship: Walk alongside others, offering acceptance and encouragement. Celebrate achievements and support them through difficulties.

Self-righteousness is a hurdle, but God offers freedom. He replaces self-centeredness with Christ-centeredness, enabling harmonious relationships and a life reflecting His light.

Here now! Let me get that speck out of your eye!

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration
08
Apr
2024
Power of Truthful Living

Power of Truthful Living

Honesty is a cornerstone of Christian life. James 5:12 instructs, “Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple ‘Yes’ or ‘No.’ Otherwise you will be condemned” (NIV).

This verse emphasizes the importance of truthfulness in our words and actions.

Why Honesty Matters

Honesty builds trust. When we’re truthful, people see us as reliable and dependable, fostering strong relationships.

Dishonesty, however, erodes trust, creating doubt and suspicion. It damages the very foundation of connection.

Honesty is also a reflection of character. It demonstrates integrity and a commitment to truth. Conversely, dishonesty reveals a willingness to compromise values for personal gain.

Temptation to Lie

Despite the importance of honesty, we can be tempted to lie. Fear of consequences or the allure of personal gain might cloud our judgment.

However, the Bible is clear: lying is wrong. Proverbs 12:22 states, “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy”.

Dishonesty not only disobeys God’s commands but also strains our relationship with Him.

Power of Truth

Honesty is ultimately the best policy. It frees us from the burden of deception. We avoid the stress of maintaining lies and the guilt of wrongdoing. More importantly, honesty fosters transformation.

Truthfulness allows us to be authentic and vulnerable. We let others see the real us, creating deeper connections.

It also strengthens our faith. Honesty with God opens us up to His grace and mercy, allowing Him to transform us from within.

A Truthful Life

Honesty is a vital Christian virtue. It builds trust, reflects character, and strengthens relationships. It allows for authentic connections and fosters spiritual growth.

Commit to living truthfully in all aspects of your life, trusting that God values your commitment to truth.

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration
02
Apr
2024
From Stealing to Sharing

From Stealing to Sharing

Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. (Ephesians 4:28)

This verse is part of Paul’s instructions to the Ephesians on how to live as new creations in Christ. It is a practical and ethical application of the Gospel, which transforms us from being selfish and sinful to being generous and righteous.

It reflects the heart of God, who gives us everything we have and expects us to use it for his glory and for the good of others.

In this devotional, we will explore four implications of this verse: the problem of stealing, the purpose of working, the power of sharing, and the promise of blessing.

Problem of Stealing

The first thing that Paul addresses in this verse is the problem of stealing. Stealing is taking something that belongs to someone else without their permission or consent. It is a violation of God’s commandment and an offense against our neighbor.

It is a manifestation of our fallen nature, which is greedy, covetous, and rebellious. It is a sign of our lack of trust in God, who provides for our needs and desires. It is a symptom of our discontentment with what we have and our dissatisfaction with who we are.

We may think that stealing is not a big deal or that it does not apply to us; rationalizing that we are only taking what we deserve or what we need. We may even justify that we are only borrowing or using what is not ours.

But the truth is that stealing is a serious sin and a harmful habit. It dishonors God, who owns everything and gives us everything.

It damages our relationship with others, who are made in God’s image and deserve our respect. It destroys our character, which is shaped by our choices and actions.

Purpose of Working

The second thing that Paul teaches in this verse is the purpose of working. Working is doing something useful with our own hands, using the abilities and opportunities that God has given us.

It is a way of expressing our gratitude and stewardship to God, who created us and gifted us; a way of fulfilling our role and responsibility in God’s kingdom, which is advancing and growing.

We may view work as a curse or a burden, or complain that it’s difficult or tedious. It’s possible to resent the fact that work is necessary or obligatory, and we might even avoid it because it’s challenging or demanding.

However, the truth is that work is a blessing and a privilege. It honors God, who himself works and rests.

Work benefits us by providing for our needs and allowing us to enjoy the fruits of our labor. It also helps others who depend on us and appreciate our contributions. Ultimately, work reflects our dignity, which is both derived from and affirmed by our labor.

Power of Sharing

The third thing Paul emphasizes in this verse is the power of sharing. Sharing is giving something that we have to someone who needs it.

It is a demonstration of our love and generosity to God, who loves us and gave his Son for us.

Sharing what we have is a gain and a joy. It pleases God, who sees and rewards. It enriches us, who give and receive.

Promise of Blessing

The fourth thing that Paul reveals in this verse is the promise of blessing. Blessing is the favor and grace of God that he bestows on us and through us.

It is the result and reward of living according to God’s will and way. It is the evidence and testimony of God’s presence and power in our lives, and the hope and assurance of God’s future and plan for us.

Conclusion

God wants us to live as His children, who are transformed by His grace and empowered by His Spirit.

He wants us to stop stealing and start working, so that we may have something to share with those in need. He wants us to experience His blessing and be a blessing to others.

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration