'Self-righteousness' is revealed in a variety of forms in our lives because we often think we are right. In order to achieve the heart of the Lord and enjoy the freedom in the truth, we should quickly demolish this self-righteousness.
Self-righteousness: Insisting on What You Think Is Right
There are different kinds of self-righteousness: the worldly self-righteousness against the will of God and the self-righteousness one develops based on the truth. The latter is hard to discover because it is usually shown in those who know the truth and act upon it to some extent.
They could think themselves to be righteous since they perform their duties and bear some fruits. They may think they have great faith and their thoughts and deeds are right. God allows for trials for them so that they can find this self-righteousness and demolish it.
If one has self-righteousness belonging to the world, he tends to ignore what others say even though he knows they are right because his pride is hurt. The self-righteousness based on the truth is different. With it, people insist on their own ideas because they want to give something good to others.
In John 12:1-6, Mary in Bethany took a pound of very costly perfume of pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair. Judas Iscariot felt agitated by it and said "Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and given to poor people?" It may sound right but he said this not because he was concerned about the poor, but because he used to pilfer what was put into the money box.
Therefore, it is impossible to tell right from wrong just by seeing something from the outside or even in its cross-section. People think differently since each of us grows up in different environments and learns in different ways. Thus, we should think with the Word of God as criteria. If you have strong self-righteousness, you may break peace in many situations. You should find this self-righteousness quickly and demolish it. Only then can you follow the will of God all the time and reap abundant answers and blessings in the Lord.
To Be Wary of Arrogance Caused by Self-righteousness
If you have the Word of God only as knowledge without cultivating it in your heart, you may have arrogance without knowing it. With such arrogance, you can't realize what you said and what you did are not proper in the truth. Therefore, you should listen to others all the time. Even when you think you are definitely right, if others say you are not, you should rethink, pray, and look back upon your thoughts.
You should try to put yourself in others' shoes in any situation. If you see the situation objectively, you can discern between right and wrong. But if you see it subjectively, you may think you are right and insist on your own idea without recognizing your arrogance.
In this case, God may allow for trials so that you can find your self-righteousness and break it. But some people still don't understand the heart of God who could not but allow for the trials. And some of them even complain saying, "When on earth will I receive the answer? Can I change? Can I really go to New Jerusalem? What was I born for? I hope to go to Heaven quickly, even if it is Paradise." If they truly know the truth, however, they should first try to find the deep love of God in trials and finish them by praying fervently to be renewed.
Apostle Paul who performed great power of God was imprisoned when he preached the gospel with Silas. But they prayed and sang hymns of praise to God in the prison. They could do so because they understood the heart of God who watched them with pity (Acts 16:22-26).
Three Specific Forms of Self-righteousness Revealed in Daily Lives
First, self-righteousness is revealed in not following the order.
You should check if you break the order just because you have great longing for spiritual things. But the order is clearly set in the kingdom of God, so you should follow the order and obey. You cannot obey if you think, 'I have more experience.' or 'I am more capable.' Even if your superior seems less capable than you, you should serve him from your heart and obey. You should think of how you can achieve the work of God by helping him. God will see your obedience and cause all things to work together for goodness.
Second, it is revealed as selfish motives and doing things on one's own
You should not forget that your God-given duty should be fulfilled for the kingdom of God, not for your pride, fame, or benefit. Although others receive credit for certain achievement that you think you have done, if it leads to extending the kingdom of God, you should willingly be able to give it away and yield it up. But if you want to show your contribution and feel bad when others are recognized for your work, it comes from selfish motives and shows that you have done something on your own.
Third, self-righteousness is revealed as deeming 'mine' to be more important
You may deem 'yours' such as your family and your value system to be more important than anything else. You need to get rid of it. With this tendency, you cannot think of others being better than you and you cannot make way for others. If you set your own standard and measure others by it, you can't embrace others and forgive them either. You should check how much you can put 'others' first, and should cultivate the heart with which you can 'go to the right if others choose left and go to the left if they choose right'.
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