For several Sundays we were so very blessed by great messages both in Sunday School and worship, which were really centered around not being "self righteous" but always relying solely on the cross of Christ for our actions and motivations. I'd love to tell you everything I learned and was convicted about, but I doubt if anyone would read all of it. Here's the "facebook status" version :)
Am I doing works for my own sake or truly for the glory of Christ?
Test 1 - Fellowship - do I only hang out with/be friendly with/pray for/etc. only those who look, talk, think the same as me? Am I embarrassed or judgmental when others who are different enter the church, my neighborhood, etc.? See Gal. 3:27-29; Matt. 9:9-13
Test 2 - Criticism/Disagreement - How do I react when others disagree with my beliefs, my actions, my "religious activities"? Do I take it personally or just long for them to know the redeeming hope and love of the Savior? do I feel like it's an affront to me or do I simply, lovingly ache for them to know the peace and salvation that Christ alone can give and give to anyone anywhere at any time? Gal. 3:25; Matt. 9:35-38
Test 3 - Test of Omission - Do I feel guilty/less of a Christian if I fail to do a certain task, ritual, etc.? Of course we suffer in our walk and growth if we don't pray or study the Bible, but do we do it to feel better about ourselves rather than do it to learn more of Christ Himself? Gal. 6:14
Oh, the depth of self-righteousness -
but praise GOD!!
HIS love and HIS sacrifice are even deeper!!
How do I know? Just look at the cross.......
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