RIGHTEOUSNESS IS EVIDENT IN ACTION NOT IN SELF-ASSUMPTION...

Throughout the many ranks of humanity, the egocentric being remains tightly woven, even in those who should know better! This is found in Churches everywhere, from leaders, to the membership, I could say fellowship, but alas, that is not always the case! One should memorize, and, remember this:
GALATIANS 6:3...
For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he is deluding himself.

Self-examination is the cure for self-deception. Compare what you are with what you were before, and give the glory to God; cf Romans 6:19-22.

 It is very common for a man to look upon himself as wiser and better than other men, and as fit to dictate to them. Such a one deceives himself; by pretending to what he has not, he puts a cheat upon himself, and sooner or later will find the sad effects. This will never gain esteem, either with God or men. Every one is advised to prove his own work. The better we know our own hearts and ways, the less shall we despise others, and the more be disposed to help them under infirmities and afflictions. How light soever men's sins seem to them when committed, yet they will be found a heavy burden, when they come to reckon with God about them.

If the ministers of the gospel are thought contemptible, there is danger lest the gospel itself be despised also; and though ministers must flatter none, yet they must be gentle towards all. Ministers may look for esteem and favour, when they can safely appeal to the people, that they have corrupted no man by false doctrines or flattering speeches; that they have defrauded no man; nor sought to promote their own interests so as to hurt any. It was affection to them made the apostle speak so freely to them, and caused him to glory of them, in all places, and upon all occasions.

It should always BE that we REMEMBER: NO ONE, NOT ONE is without sin...
1 JOHN 1: 8...
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 

ROMANS 3: 10...
as it is written: "There is no one just, not one,

Here again is shown that all mankind are under the guilt of sin, as a burden; and under the government and dominion of sin, as enslaved to it, to work wickedness. This is made plain by several passages of Scripture from the Old Testament, which describe the corrupt and depraved state of all men, till grace restrain or change them. Great as our advantages are, these texts describe multitudes who call themselves Christians. Their principles and conduct prove that there is no fear of God before their eyes. And where no fear of God is, no good is to be looked for.

I attended a Church in recent months, where those in attendance, as well as the Pastor, were so SELF-RIGHTEOUS, I was floored! There was an overcast of self-importance, haughtiness so obvious, and, a great lack of genuine LOVE, or, acceptance of outsiders! I sit not in judgement, instead, in sadness, because THE TRUTH is being worked over, in many regards! And the above footnote speaks volumes for these Christians!!!

RIGHTEOUSNESS is CONDUCT IN CONFORMITY to *GOD'S* WILL, aligned to HIS GIFT OF GRACE, CHRIST JESUS! THE GIFT does NOT over-ride our responsibility TO THE COVENANT! Remember, a COVENANT, is DUAL, there are 2 SIDES; and, it is written...
1 CORINTHIANS 7: 23...
You have been purchased at a price. Do not become slaves to human beings.

Ye are bought with a price - Ye belong to God; therefore, where it can be avoided, do not become the bondslaves of men - Which may expose you to many temptations.

We are to be HUMBLE before THE LORD, and, all others! We are NOT to be puffed up, arrogant, or, self-righteous! We ARE to be humble, gentle, LOVING, kind, patient, tolerant, understanding, forbearing, compassionate, giving, and, sharing! Remember always, HE remains afar from the proud!!!

Humility preserves peace and order in all Christian churches and societies; pride disturbs them. Where God gives grace to be humble, he will give wisdom, faith, and holiness. To be humble, and subject to our reconciled God, will bring greater comfort to the soul than the gratification of pride and ambition. But it is to be in due time; not in thy fancied time, but God's own wisely appointed time.

It is unfortunate that SO many THINK they are something when they are nothing! This IS egocentrically based, and, MUST be corrected in order to BE ONE WITH THE LORD! HE IS SOMETHING, whom we are to pattern our lives after, that we, VOID of egocentricity, REFLECT HIM, IN OUR CONSTANT aim to DO good, and, BE good! In the FIRST place, IF LOVE was embraced, there would be NO self-righteousness!!!

REV. LWINSOR © 2012
BIBLICAL, and/or, other references marked BOLDLY IN COLOURS