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Self Righteous Syndrome

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1 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: 2 “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. 3 So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. 4 They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them. 5 “Everything they do is done for people to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long; 6 they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues; 7 they love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and to be called ‘Rabbi’ by others. 8 “But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers. 9 And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. 10 Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Messiah. 11 The greatest among you will be your servant. 12 For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. Matthew 23:1-12 (NIV)

Concise Scripture Study

There is a difference between the pious and the religious. While the former is more on the internal spirituality, the latter is about external performance of religion. Jesus was seemingly harsh towards people of the book who knew the contents but omitted the heart matter of relationship with God (verse 3). However, Jesus had a totally different measuring yard that was impossible for these to follow; a religion of the heart with opposite values (verses 11, 12)

Author’s Definition:

Self-Righteousness in the context of Christian circles, is a term used to describe a mental state or convictions that often elevates Christians from others and often elevates self in their spiritual demenours.

This is often self-destructive as it makes individuals aloof and proud and often incorrectible.

FALSE HUMILITY

Those who are self-righteous often deceive themselves with a sense of false humility without inner change.

Author’s Definition:

False humility is a mental and behavioural disposition that causes individuals to portray an external behavior of being humble when internally they are proud. The emphasis is more external show of piety.

INDICATORS

1. Unable to receive criticism or correction in matters of life and spirituality

2. Seem to be self confident in their convictions which could either be false or right; according to their convictions

3. Always having ultra spirituality approach towards their godliness

4. Find themselves hard or reluctant to be submissive or accountable to others, either peer to peer or self to leader (s)

5. Finding excuses to justify self action

6. They hide under the pretext of false humility

7. They hide under religious beliefs, rituals and external piety all to be seen by men.

SELF-EVALUATION CHECK-UP

Self-Check Question 1

Do I become offended when others say something about me

Self-Check Question 2

Do I feel intimidated (feel belittled, or small) with other’s remarks about me?

Self-Check Question 3

Am I challenged of my spiritual convictions or sense of godliness?

Self-Check Question 4

Do I find myself hard to humble or submit others whether those in the same level / rank as myself or those of higher ranks than me?

Self-Check Question 5

Do I say; that I am always right and others are always wrong?

Self-Check Question 6

Do I say; that I am better than you? In other words, the others are worse of than me?

Self-Check Question 7

Am I correctable? or willing to be corrected?

Self-Check Question 8

Do I say; that God loves me more than others?

Self-Check Question 9

When God speaks to me, do I allow others to help me see from other perspectives? or do I say that only my interpretation or the way I see it as being absolutely correct

Self-Check Question 10

Do I feel that I am always superior than others, whether at places of operation or self judgement about others?

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