Question: Don’t You Think You May Come Across As Self Righteous To Some People That Hear You?
Donald Bohanon: I wouldn’t be surprised, but that’s probably because most of them don’t know the definition of self righteousness. Self Righteousness can be defined as anyone who touts and or promotes their own brand of righteousness, separate from how the bible defines righteousness. So if the individual is practicing or promoting a doctrine or behavior that’s contrary to the word of God, like lying,stealing,slandering,engaging in perverse sexual behavior etc,but yet still claiming to be righteous, then that can be defined as a self righteous attitude or behavior.
Everything I espouse, teach and promote, I use several verses in scripture (not just one) put in their proper context to validate or prove my point. Some people will take one verse, take it out of context, use it to deceptively justify behavior that’s clearly condemned by the preponderant of scripture, and form a whole doctrine around that one verse. Form a doctrine that obviously promotes behavior that’s contrary to what the bible in it’s full and proper context teaches,and what the bible defines as righteous.But yet still claim to be righteous in God’s eyes?
I don’t promote a form of self righteousness that’s separate from the righteousness that God defines as righteous in his word. I don’t promote a form of self righteousness that’s not supported by his word. My focus is always on promoting the righteousness that’s clearly outlined by God’s word, supported by numerous verses in scripture (not just one) as the bible validates,confirms,supports,justifies and interprets itself.
I don’t promote a doctrine different than Christ doctrine, but yet still claim to be righteous in God’s eyes. I don’t practice,teach,support or promote, behavior that’s contrary to God and his word, but yet at the same time, still claim to be righteous. I don’t take bible verses out of context in a deceptive effort to justify behavior that God detests and condemns, but yet still claim to be righteous….. 2 Timothy 2:19
I’m not practicing unbiblical behavior while at the same time taking the bible out of context to deceptively justify that same unbiblical behavior, but yet still claim to be righteous,etc.These are all examples of self righteous behavior….As opposed to boldly teaching and proclaiming righteousness as God and the bible define it. I think it’s also important to point out that hypocrisy in many respects is synonymous with self righteous character. They in many respects mirror each other and produce similar traits.
It’s also been my experience that most hypocrites and self righteous individuals are quickest to condemn and label those who teach and follow the truth (as is outlined by the bible) as self righteous.While at the same time justifying those who reject the truth as is outlined by the bible, evidenced by their behavior, by what they support and practice. But yet call those same people who reject the truth and engage in abominable sinful behavior, as is outlined in the bible, “righteous.”
But that position,attitude and behavior, according to scripture can and will have terrible consequences when judged. Isaiah 5:20-25,Proverbs 17:15. I think it’s important for them to first find out what the term “self righteousness” really means, and how offensive the practice of labeling the “righteous”, “self righteous”, really is.Before they are is so quick to label others who are deemed “righteous” in God’s eyes, as “self righteous.”
Proverbs 17:15
King James Version (KJV)
15 He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the Lord.
Isaiah 5:20-25
King James Version (KJV)
20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
21 Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!
22 Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink:
23 Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!
24 Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the Lord of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.
25 Therefore is the anger of the Lord kindled against his people, and he hath stretched forth his hand against them, and hath smitten them: and the hills did tremble, and their carcases were torn in the midst of the streets. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.
2 Timothy 2:19
King James Version (KJV)
19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.