Self-Righteousness: A Barrier Between Man and God
Today, we’ll explore a hidden aspect of the human heart that often goes unnoticed—self-righteousness. This false sense of righteousness tricks us into believing we can stand before God based on our own works, efforts, or external religiosity.
Self-righteousness is a perilous condition because it distances us from God, causing us to rely on ourselves rather than His grace. Let’s recall a powerful story from the Gospel of Luke, where Yeshua shared the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector:
“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ But the tax collector stood at a distance and would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ I tell you, this man went home justified rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 18:10-14)
What do we see in this story? The Pharisee was confident in his own righteousness. He boasted about his deeds and compared himself to others, belittling them. The tax collector, however, recognized his sinfulness and begged for mercy. Yeshua reveals that justification comes not to those who consider themselves righteous, but to those who humble themselves before God, acknowledging their need for forgiveness.
Self-righteousness is rooted in pride. The Apostle Paul writes:
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
None of us can save ourselves through our own efforts. Our deeds, no matter how good they may appear, cannot redeem us. As the prophet Isaiah declares:
“All our righteous acts are like filthy rags.” (Isaiah 64:6)
Self-righteousness manifests not only in pride but also in judging others. When we look down on people, comparing their sins to our own, we forget that before God, we are all sinners. Yeshua warns us:
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Matthew 7:1-2)
Self-righteousness blinds us. It prevents us from seeing ourselves as God sees us. The Pharisees of Yeshua’s time appeared outwardly pious, but their hearts were far from God. The Lord speaks through the prophet Samuel:
“People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)
So what should we do when we discover self-righteousness in our hearts? First, we must acknowledge our dependence on God’s grace. Paul advises:
“So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!” (1 Corinthians 10:12)
Humility is the key to our relationship with God. We must daily remind ourselves that our righteousness is the Messiah. As Paul writes:
“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)
Let this truth take root in our hearts. We are saved not by our works, but by His mercy. May our lives reflect His love, not a means of self-elevation. Only then can we live in true righteousness and the glory of God. Amen.