Self-righteousness versus Faith...

If anyone says that he loves God, but hates his brother, then he is a liar. For he who does not love his brother, whom he does see, in what way can he love God, whom he does not see__1-John 4:20

Following yesterday's post on Morality, there comes a need for knowing about "Self-Righteousness". From the above verse, we see that there is a reason we do not declare our righteousness except it came from God or belongs to Him.

A first-time reader may shudder at this warning for don't we all judge one another, even our God? Further, the practice of Morality would engender Righteous behavior -and is this to be avoided or swallowed and not repeated to others?

Actually, the practice of Morality looks and feels best when it is done in humbleness. I'm quite sure everyone feels the same. So, could the Law be engraved on our hearts as gentiles? Being so persuaded to care for ourselves in the eyes and thoughts of our brothers -is this also self-righteousness? Or is all love stemmed from self-appraisal?

The fact that turning a blind eye to our inner judgment is also somewhat of a crime. Similarly, the man who attributes everything to the Creator -is that not also annoying?

My personal belief is that righteousness versus faith is like Lego bricks. Sure, we can make anything our hearts desire with Lego -even work together to build it and dedicate the contraption or sculpture to God. That would be pleasant to everyone! But moreso blessed is the builder who realizes and giveth thanks for the Lego, knowing how it was made and how it works is the genius of the Creator, his Father, and bought with the blood of the Messiah. Therefore he taps into a higher Spirit of truth which keeps him safe and well regarded above as below.

More later...

Intelligence and good-heartedness (love) are the facilitators of success with our physical and mental / spiritual Lego (TM). Intelligence comes from working hard like God told Adam he had to. Love comes from honoring your mother and father as the Bible tells us to. No love, no brain, everything becomes a temptation to sin (almost reverse morality), too much, and we shouldn’t need to exist, therefore turning lukewarm. And the Bible warns us of complacency. Be therefore, concerned with God and His work in the earth and as St Paul said, be self-controlled.

Now we know the nuts and bolts of gospel!