Tuesday, November 27, 2012

The Illusion of Self Righteousness

Have you considered the possibility that humanity has been captivated by a colossal deception? Disease, suffering, fear, war and death constantly stalk mankind. Psychological, intellectual and spiritual darkness is pandemic. Something is tragically wrong.

Jesus, “The Light of the World,” was sent to a planet defined as the “region and shadow of death.”  He revealed that “reality” as advertised on earth, is in fact darkness and destruction. We deftly evade our own mortality, and our inner duplicity taunts us. Thoreau said it well, “The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.” Yet, how obsessively we repress it. Without an encounter with God, “Life is but a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage, and then is heard no more. It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.” (Macbeth)

Humanity has been seduced and enslaved by a counterfeit reality that breeds intractable selfishness, pride, fear, anger and deceit. “Truly the hearts of the sons of men are full of evil; and madness is in their hearts while they live.” The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can fathom it?” (Ecc 9:3; Jer 17:9)

No one is exempt. You cannot understand the “Jesus thing” until you see the brutal reality of your own heart, and honestly admit that you are morally bankrupt.   Our innate depravity cannot be surmounted by talent, intelligence or positive thinking. Regardless of how we adorn ourselves with noble deeds or religious buzz words, we are all congenital hypocrites.

The Bible's shocking indictment that, there is no one who does good, not even one," cannot be understood without a glimpse of God's pure and holy love. Such love cannot be earned or duplicated.

A happy-face charade of moral superiority cannot not absolve your sin. The Bible makes the alarming statement that self-righteousness is as “filthy rags” in God's sight, and verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity.” (Isa 64:6; Ps 39:5) Does that imply God is unloving?  No.  It implies that we need a Savior.

There is nothing we can do to bridge the chasm between us and God. If I give all I possess to the poor, perform miracles and become a martyr, I am still nothing . . unless I receive a divine infusion of Holiness and Love. (Eph 4:24; Phil 3:9)

Christians are not superior to unbelievers. They are just receivers of Jesus' pardon, and frail containers of His Spirit, which offers intimate access to God, and radically alters their perspective.

When we see the gospel misrepresented and perverted by apparent “losers,” we feel justified in rejecting Christ's message. But there is no excuse. Imperfect people may violate Truth but we can never invalidate or alter it.

"God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble." (Jas 4:6; 1 Pet 5:5) Pride is your greatest antagonist. “Dysfunctional” people fill churches because humiliation is required to see Truth. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart.” (Ps 51:17) How desperate are you to know Him?

If you will approach God in child like simplicity and trust, you will discover that He is not like you feared. He reveals Himself to your heart, not your head, and that requires vulnerability. He will never violate your free will, but He offers unspeakable joy, peace and love.

This is not about intellectual suicide or blindly following dogma. It's about an awakening through a literal encounter with Jesus Christ. Seek God with honesty and diligence and you won't be disappointed. Jesus said, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you..” (Mat 7:7; Lk 11:9)   Millions and millions worldwide from every culture can attest to the validity of that statement.

There is a way which seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” (Prov 14:12; 16:25) The temporary reality of this world is deceit, decay and death masquerading as light. That's why Jesus warned, “If the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!” (Mat 6:23) If you create god in the image of your wounded angry heart you open yourself to false “light”.

Absolute Truth is self evident and needs no human verification.  Don't settle for anything less than unmitigated assurance. True enlightenment requires a grave and profound respect for the Creator of the universe. Your eternal destiny is at stake.   The ball is in your court.    Indecision is a choice.


Copyright 2012 by Hayden Humphrey