Mindsets in Prayer: The Problem of Self-Righteousness
- Victoria Kamau
- Aug 18, 2024
- 3 min read
Based on Luke 18:9-14
From the passage in Luke, Jesus describes the postures that two men posed during prayer. One was a religious leader who prided himself in his supposed “good outer works” and the other was a tax collector (they were loathed at the time) seeking mercy.
Jesus' lesson was simple but jarring as it revealed self-righteousness's futility and hypocritical nature.
What is self-righteousness and why self-righteousness is a prevalent mindset amongst Christians.
Self-righteousness is a performance-based spirituality, which is counterproductive to spiritual maturity and works against dependence on God & relationships with others. This mindset revolves around individuals believing they are inherently superior to others due to their perceived righteousness.
Let’s look at some key points about this maladaptive mindset.
a. Definition
Self-righteousness is a belief in one's moral superiority or righteousness. This goes directly against the teachings of scripture because scripture defines man’s state as spiritually and morally bankrupt without God. Romans 3:10-12 explains this very clearly.
According to John 15:5, Jesus said, we can do nothing apart from Him. This was noted in the context of bearing fruit as a believer.
Hence, it is a fallacy and deception to think you can rely on your natural goodness as righteousness before God or your strong moral sense of right and wrong to measure holiness.
b. Self-righteousness is foolishness
You & I can produce nothing spiritually worthwhile except from abiding in God. Whatever good works produced outside of Him aren't true fruit but merely self-generated and have no eternal value nor does it contribute to spiritual growth.
The thinking that God is pleased with my good works is a fallacy. The only good works worthy of an eternal reward is what is produced from a place of abiding in Him.
We need to understand that there is nothing eternally worthwhile nor pleasing to God that comes from our natural self.
Whatever you and I produce outside of God, no matter how good, is simply religious and not required by God. The only fruit that God counts, is the One He has produced in us.
c. Root Cause
Self-righteousness often stems from insecurity. For instance, the fear of failure, or a desire for external validation and we can seek for this even in spiritual matters. Whether we realize this or not, if we’re not actively depending on God through prayer, we’re more than likely living out the insecurities within.
d. The Negative Impacts
Judgment and Criticism: Self-righteous individuals tend to judge and criticize others who don't align with their beliefs or actions.
Isolation: This attitude can lead to isolation as others may feel judged or unworthy in their presence.
Lack of Empathy: Difficulty in understanding or empathizing with different perspectives or struggles.
Hypocrisy: Often leads to hypocrisy as individuals may preach one thing but act in contradictory ways.
e. Overcoming Self-Righteousness
I’m a firm believer that prayer leads & encourages the exercise of these practices:
Self-Examination: Encouraging introspection to understand the root causes of this mindset.
Practicing Empathy/Mercy: Because God has shown you and me mercy, we show it to others as well.
Humility: Embracing humility and acknowledging one's flaws and limitations for no one is perfect except God in that He is holy.
Focus on Inner Growth: Shifting focus from external validation to internal growth and self-awareness. One of the ways you can realize internal growth is by reflecting upon God’s love for you. His love is without condition and models for you the kind of person to be.
In Summary;
Here are some takeaways to remember:
• Self-righteousness breeds comparison, contempt, and pride.
• Self-righteousness is deceitful. It deceives the one who judges himself based on his standards that are faulty and far below God's standards.
• Self-righteousness is a propagator of spiritual blindness.
• Self-righteousness is not an attitude or posture that pleases God.
• Self-righteousness is based on works/performance based.
• Self-righteousness acts as a barrier to seeing God and receiving from Him.
• A posture of humility is what God desires.
• God is more inclined to hear the prayer of a humble man than that of a self-righteous person.
Through prayer and fostering empathy, humility, and self-reflection, individuals can move away from this detrimental mindset towards a more compassionate and authentic way of living.
Do you struggle with this mindset and what could be the root cause?
Blessings.
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