An Idea Borrowed

Years ago on a radio program someone shared that they read a chapter in Proverbs every day. Since there are 31 chapters and the longest month has 31 days it allows you to read through Proverbs on a regular basis. I use it as the launch pad for my personal worship time and branch out from there. On this blog I will try to share some of the insights I have in the Word. I will try to organize them in the archive by reference.

Friday, June 14, 2013

Self-Righteous Isn’t

(Proverbs 14:34 KJV)  Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.

This is a truth that we as a nation have learned to ignore or pervert.  We would substitute many other words for “righteousness” (6666):  cool, free spirited, self actualized, open minded, etc.

But the clear teaching is that holy living “exalts” (7311) us, holy living that is possible because of the power of God in our lives, not from out own input.  That is the root of the rejection of righteousness.  Righteousness must be rooted in a holy God.  It is not self-generated.  We call that being self-righteous.  It is not about self-esteem, self-actualization, self-pride or any of the other synonyms we have for being self-centered.

We are becoming a nation of adult bodies with two year old maturity.  We want it and we want it now.  This is no way to be exalted.

So?  All you can be is a drop or a grain.  That is okay because we are not the ones who will make the big adjustments to our culture.  That is God’s doing.  May He be able to do it without disaster and suffering. 

2 comments:

Gorges Smythe said...

With all of our sins as a nation, I look for much suffering, since that's the natural result of much sin.

Pumice said...

We may get a twofer, one because we are Christians and two because the nation isn't.

Grace and peace.