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Scripture Prompt
To Be or Not to Be… Self-righteous
I can’t claim to know what’s really going on!
Many of us are quick to latch onto the easy verse, the ones with the most encouraging words. We love the verses that give a reason to be, to keep going, to ignore that which we prefer to avoid, to lend us comfort.
“I can do all things…” (Philippians 4:13, KJV)
“All things work together for good…” (Romans 8:28, ESV)
Good for t-shirts and notebook covers, but daily life guidance? Real-life help? Hmm. Don’t get me wrong — it’s far better to cite God’s word than to quote a lanky, blonde pop singer to get you through a trying time.
The March scripture prompt is a statement — nay, a warning — by Jesus found in the book of Matthew:
For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
(Matthew 5:20, ESV)
It’s short, and its meaning seems obvious. Jesus had little consideration (or patience) for the so-called righteousness of the religious leaders who consistently challenged him. Did you know that they wore leather boxes (phylacteries) strapped to their heads and/or arms which contained verses from the Torah (the first five books of the Old…
