Make an Important Decision

​Self-righteousness blinds the mind and binds the soul and it is a self-afflicted condition. Many of us are content with going through life with no real spiritual goals, and with no conscience effort to be better. Should you have spiritual goals? Absolutely.
 
As we go through the red letters of Jesus’ own words, we read phrases like “love your neighbor”, “get the log out of your own eye” and “He who is without sin, cast the first stone”. The Bible is full of aspirations that have been put there for us to emulate and put into practice.
 
No one, especially me, has reached any level of true righteousness. However, an important part of our spiritual growth is continually striving to be Christ like in all we say and in all we do. It is easy to criticize and see what’s wrong with others, but to point a finger at us requires daily practice and humility. God loves humility, because He is a humble being.
 
The Sadducees and the “Could-not-sees” hated Jesus and are epitome of hypocrisy and self-righteousness. The Sadducees were motivated by greed and their concern for position and prestige. They were legalistic, didn’t believe in the supernatural, practiced ritual purification, they oversaw the temple and did so for money.
 
Are you a present day Sadducee? Check yourself.
 

• Are you critical of others continually reminding them of their shortcomings? Do you set standards for others that you yourself don’t keep?
• How important is your image, your appearance and what others think of you? Is the person you present at church the same person others see at home?
• Are you led by the Holy Spirit or by your emotions? Do you use the power of God or the power of your tongue? Are you busy trying to influence and control others or do you quietly give to God?
• Do you think that going to church and appearing holy makes you right with God? Are you just going through the motions?
• How important are the things of this world to you? Do you constantly think about the things you don’t have or do you constantly thank God for your blessings?

 
Our Lord Jesus was a threat to the Sadducees and the Pharisees because He pulled the covers on their evil hearts. Spend more of your time on self-examination and you won’t have time to judge others nor have time to find the speck in anyone’s eye. Choose, self-examination or self-righteousness. Choose today, “Who shall you serve”.
 
Stay safe & be blessed,
 
Pastor Conrad