The Struggle for Righteousness

Friends,

Observations…this is part three of a sort of a discussion on a friends blog. I do not think that self-righteousness is easily detectable. Humility often disguises itself as false humility…even while having the appearance of the former. I don’t believe that anyone is exempt from this struggle…but the degree that we display false humility is directly and genuinely related to our closeness with the Lord. In relationship to this, false humility is exemplified in that we are not so much betrayed by what we say, but in how we say it...although what we say can be in error, as well.

To the point…so much of what we call "reasoning"…as in trying to discern or determine, for example, "what denominationalism is" or "what denominationalism is not" is more a revelation and exercise not only in semantics, but is a reflection of an attitude of the heart. What is revealed is our attitude toward others…as to whether we are really being Christ-like or not. It is easy to say…I love other "believers" including those who are different from me, but if I am set against "how they live, move and breathe" within their religious framework, I have already sat in judgment of them — and therefore am not going to be capable of loving them sincerely and fully. At the least, I am going to be displaying pity, rather than showing "love" or some other of the fruit of the Spirit which they need to see in me. The forest is not as easy to see when we are facing individual trees on a regular basis — and I am guilty of this, depending upon the argument. When we are so cocksure of our argumentation, we have abandoned humility and are likely staring at the trees. There is room for all argumentation, but, I am likely going to be persuaded by those who have taken the panoramic spiritual journey.

There are individuals in our brotherhood who do not believe in unity, but uniformity. Any deviation from the uniform norm is met with consternation, at least…and condemnation, generally. This is a trust in self-righteousness and in our own understanding, rather than living "grace through faith." Such ones become judgmental, unloving because their theological, spiritual focus is in the wrong place. Faith broadens our scope, spirit and understanding, without making any doctrinal sacrifices. We need to allow ourselves to be stretched and shaped. It is easy to argue in order to defend "what I already believe," but not so easy to approach matters and issues without pretense or prejudice. This is what humility calls us to do. Blessings,

Don