Being self-righteous is a lot of work!

 It takes a lot of effort to be good all the time...

​But I get it. When we work at being good and thinking that it's our goodness that makes God like us more, we can feel proud about that. It's quite an accomplishment. Like we're really good people. For sure we're not as bad as those other people right? Whoever those other people are?? 

Being Self Righteous isn't so hard to spot... 

• The parent who is often critical of their adult son or daughter's choices? In who they married? How they're raising their kids? The choices they're making in life?
• The gossip who just loves passing along their juicy tales. They're really just trying to help. They're never able to take a look at themselves for they have so much to do in keeping score of others faults. 
• Watch out for the online moral police detective. The selective moral outrage over the "other side" doing such & such, all the while excusing or deflecting the same actions from their side of the aisle.
• Self righteous people need the constant approval of those around them and prone to fits of anger or depression when it's apparent they don't have it.  
• Self righteous people have little empathy or compassion on those they deem as not having their act together. Yeah it's sad they might say, but often unwilling to lift a finger to help other for they have to care about their own needs right?

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I could go on but you get the picture. When we consistently have to prop ourselves up in order to look like we've got it together, it can be draining. When our focus is on what people will think of me or my family or the work I'd doing, it can be tough to see others. That's why Jesus encouraged us to take the " 2 x4 outta your own eye first" (Matthew 7:3-35) so that we might better be able to see what my neighbor needs. 

To the self righteous Jesus offers us the His Righteousness. He invites us to turn in our goodness for His greatness. To put on a new view of self and live "created to be like God in righteousness and holiness". To quit working so hard at being good and instead partner with God in being Godly.

Come to church this Sunday! Be reminded of all Jesus has done for you. Look to encourage your brothers and sisters in Christ! See ya then.

Pastor Mike
PS: Huge shout out to all who made trunk or treat so much fun. We estimate we had between 225-275 people here. Not only did we give about a ton of candy but nearly 200 kids, moms & dads were reminded of Jesus love for them! Thanks for making this possible!

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