What does the term "self-righteous" means when applied to certain Christians?
How does it or does it not apply?
When nonbelievers observe self-righteous words and behaviors, it may contribute to their rejection of Christianity.
What can be done if your behavior is blocking their view of your God?
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2007-01-20 02:45:57 · 10 answers · asked by NHBaritone 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Given my own theological stance, I fear I would be self-righteous in choosing an answer, so I'm putting this out for the voting members of the community.
Great answers from most of you!!!
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2007-01-20 08:11:29 · update #1
Self-righteous is acting as if you are righteous in return for something - man's adoration, whatever. Being righteous is a totally different concept. Being righteous means that you strive to follow God in all you say, do, think - with your whole being.
2007-01-20 02:50:14 · answer #1 · answered by padwinlearner 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
A lot of people have given a good definition of the term. It is also known as the "holier-than-thou" syndrome. These Christians regard themselves as God's pets because they are active church-goers. Practically, the same attitude Lucifer had (according to Holy Scriptures).
Yes, their behavior does contribute to rejection of the non-believers and outsiders. They think that all Christians are the same.
Pastors seem to overlook this phenomenon in their churches because most of these self-righteous bigots are close collaborators and donators. What can be done? My answer is to pray hard and fast in silence until God does His work. Be patient and smile!
2007-01-20 11:19:18 · answer #2 · answered by latinoldie 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
self-righteous behavior is not the sign of a TRUE Christian.
God has told us that we are no better than the unbeliever, just different because we are saved.
Are there "dumb" Christians that do not yet understand that? Yes.
But, most often, that behavior can be seen in the lives of pseudo-christians; those who take the name for their own purposes, ego trips, power, etc. but are far from being TRUE Christians.
"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." Jesus speaking in Matthew 7: 21
2007-01-20 10:58:05 · answer #3 · answered by Chef Bob 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Self righteousness is a sin of pride in one's self. Thinking that one is holy. Remember that Jesus said in the Bible, "no, not one is holy, only My Father in Heaven.
As Christians we are made righteous by the blood of Jesus that covers our sin, past, present, and future. We are required to keep a short account of sin by confessing and asking forgiveness daily for these sins. It is only by the grace (gift) of God. The Bible says that we cannot work our way to heaven, no matter how holy we preceive our deeds and life to be. This the Bible says, is that so no man can boast (about earning his own way into heaven). In Matthew 7, the Bible says,
1 "Judge not, that you may not be judged;
2 for your own judgement will be dealt--and your own measure meted--to yourselves.
3 And why do you look at the splinter in your brother's eye, and not notice the beam which is in your own eye?
4 Or how say to your brother, `Allow me to take the splinter out of your eye,' while the beam is in your own eye?
5 Hypocrite, first take the beam out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly how to remove the splinter from your brother's eye.
We all sin. Period. Pray for the self righteous people you encounter. Do not judge them, for believe the Word of God, as the Bible says, "Pride comes before the fall." If they think they will not be tempted and fail, this is not scriptural, we will be tempted and fail miserably, then God can raise them up again and begin a good work in them. Remember that, "but for the grace of God, there go I." Or if it were not for the grace of God, I would be in their same position and attitude. Never think that you cannot be tempted and fail. Never say look at them, I would never act like that. This only opens the door for the enemy to attack you. God bless you!
2007-01-20 11:23:02 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I pray every day and night for God to search me and to forgive me of all hidden faults in me. When I did a study of righteous and got the following meaning. I found that these are things that I am working towards becoming or putting on. There is only one that is perfect.
1) righteous, observing divine laws
a) in a wide sense, upright, righteous, virtuous, keeping the commands of God
1) of those who seem to themselves to be righteous, who pride themselves to be righteous, who pride themselves in their virtues, whether real or imagined
2)
innocent, faultless, guiltless
3) used of him whose way of thinking, feeling, and acting is wholly conformed to the will of God, and who therefore needs no rectification in the heart or life
a) only Christ truly
4) approved of or acceptable of God
b) in a narrower sense, rendering to each his due and that in a judicial sense, passing just judgment on others, whether expressed in words or shown by the manner of dealing with them
So if we examine our selves and apply these to ourself, we get self+righteous=self righteousness.
And He told us that our righteousness is as filthy rags.
Isa 64:6 But we are all as an unclean [thing], and all our righteousnesses [are] as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
He told us to "work towards the mark of the high calling of God."
Thank God, I'm forgiven! I am only a child of the King trying to make my way HOME!
2007-01-20 11:44:29 · answer #5 · answered by bumpy 4 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think 2 things happen, well one of these two, when people bring up "self-righteousness." Using that word is a two edged sword. It cuts both ways. On one end, the person being accused of being self righteous has gotten their Christianity twisted. They have puffed themselves up by the joy and forgiveness they feel instead of being humbled by it. Salvation should humble us, not puff us up.
On the other end, you have a deep sense of guilt when the truth goes into the other person and cuts them. The truth is hard to swallow and often just gets rejected. I was always taught that things couldn't hurt me, offend me or touch me without my permission and unless they held a bit (or in some cases quite a whollop) of truth.
Its is sad that it is so hard for some people to see God and that we don't all know that our humanness and nature is flesh, not spirit and not meant to be mistaken for God's image.
Good question!
2007-01-20 10:51:58 · answer #6 · answered by Sleek 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Self righteousness is a symptom of spiritual pride. It manifests itself in an attitude that is devoid of love and concern for the uncoverted. This was a trademark of the Pharisees of Jesus' day. Whenever a person becomes a legalist who is more concerned with the sin than the sinner they exhibit "self righteous" behavior.
A person who falls into this type of behavior would be wise to consider this passage from the New Testament.
2 Peter 1:5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, (6) and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, (7) and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. (8) For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (9) For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins.
10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. 11 For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
2007-01-20 10:54:55 · answer #7 · answered by Martin S 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Ahh, yes...the "self-righteous" trap...good question!!
Christians need to ask themselves...is my so-called "righteousness" my own...or is my only hope of righteousness only in Christ?
There is a poem that says it beautifully...although I hate long answers, I'm gonna post this poem, and I do hope you will read it, and that others will too...it is for all of us whose self-righteous behavior "blocks their veiw of God"....
"When I say ... "I am a Christian,"
I'm not shouting, "I'm clean livin',"
I'm whispering, "I was lost,"
Now I'm found and forgiven.
When I say ... "I am a Christian,"
I don't speak of this with pride,
I'm confessing that I stumble
and need CHRIST to be my guide.
When I say ... "I am a Christian,"
I'm not trying to be strong,
I'm professing that I'm weak
and need HIS strength to carry on.
When I say ... "I am a Christian,"
I'm not bragging of success,
I'm admitting I have failed
and need GOD to clean my mess.
When I say ... "I am a Christian,"
I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible
but, GOD believes I'm worth it.
When I say ... "I am a Christian,"
I still feel the sting of pain,
I have my share of heartaches,
So I call upon HIS name.
When I say ... "I am a Christian,"
I'm not "holier than thou",
I'm just a simple sinner
who received GOD'S good grace, somehow"
2007-01-20 11:13:49 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Christ died FOR your sins by shedding God's perfect blood as a sacrifice, a substitute for me and for you and for ALL. He willingly laid down his life and allowed himself to be crucified to a cross.
Believe in his shed blood as a once and final payment for your sin debt unto God, and put NO trust nor faith in...
...your "good deeds", best efforts, deep thoughts, pastor's teachings nor preists' homily's, religion(s) or religious dogma, world or personal circumstances, communion wafers, water baptism, philosophy, lifestyle, education, evolution, your senses, church attendance, karma, religious attitudes, feelings, family traditions, supposed "holy or religious saving" laws or ordinances, self serving prayers, society, other people's opinions,etc.
Christ alone went in your place as your substitute to pay for the sins you've already done, the one's you're currently doing, and all that you'll do in the future. The only way to be made perfect is to be in Christ.
It's nothing experienced nor felt, but known by reading what the scriptures say in the bible, the word of God.
Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved! (Acts 16:31) God will judge you to be whole and sinless in his eyes, imputing Christ's righteousness unto you; Christ's faith unto you; and you in Christ.
2007-01-20 10:52:48 · answer #9 · answered by The (1Cor.15:1-4) Ambassador 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
For starters, try to see their view of their God.
When you can do that, we can talk.
2007-01-20 10:50:40 · answer #10 · answered by justa 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋