I believe there are many ignored sins that "clutter" our Christian lives. My last post was on discontentment, which is one of those sins. Another is self-righteousness. Matthew 23 talks of the Pharisees and how they do things to be seen by others. "Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted" (Matt. 23:12). Christ goes on to tell us in verse 25 that hypocrites "clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence." This is a perfect definition of self-righteousness, that we make sure what others see is pleasing and possibly worth coveting, and yet what Christ sees is filthy, dirty unrighteousness.
After considering these things in my own life, I believe this is a sinful trap that a lot of Christian women fall into. We induce self-righteousness by comparing ourselves to others, worrying how others view us, and making sure we look like we have it all together. Forms of legalism can creep in here as we convince ourselves that the way we do things is the only way. We model our lives after what we see on the media and among Christians. I see this among Christian women's blogs. Some use it as an opportunity to boast in themselves, their children, their homemaking skills causing many who read it to feel that's what the Christian life looks like. If you have a platform to speak, let it be to make much of Him and less of you. Share your suggestions and thoughts on the home and raising children but ultimately, let God be glorified and exalted.
