Hello again, beloved listeners. Pastor Loren Christensen here, and I'm excited to conclude our reflections on "The Call to Good Works and the Peril of Self-Righteousness" in this episode of "A Word from the Vine." Our scripture today is Ephesians 2:9: "Not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
Now, this verse serves as a guardrail on our journey of faith, cautioning us against a perilous pitfall—self-righteousness. The Apostle Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, wants us to understand that our salvation is not achieved through our own works, lest we be tempted to boast and elevate ourselves above others.
Let me share a contemporary story to illustrate this point. In the mid-20th century, there was a man named Chuck Templeton. He and a young preacher named Billy Graham were close friends and ministry partners. Both were dynamic speakers, drawing large crowds with their compelling messages.
As time passed, however, Templeton began to doubt the fundamentals of the Christian faith. Eventually, he left the ministry, became an agnostic, and pursued a career in journalism. On the other hand, we know the trajectory of Billy Graham's life—he became one of the most influential evangelists in history.
Now, consider this: Both started on the same path, both engaged in similar works, but their journeys diverged. If we were to judge solely by outward appearances, we might have hailed Templeton as the more successful one in the early days. However, it was not about the works themselves but about the posture of the heart.
The danger of self-righteousness lies in the comparison game. When we start measuring our worth based on our deeds, we may inadvertently slip into a mindset of superiority. We might look at others and think, "I'm more righteous, more faithful, more deserving than they are."
This mindset not only distorts our relationship with God but also damages our interactions with fellow believers. The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector in Luke 18:9-14 serves as a poignant reminder. The Pharisee boasted of his righteous deeds, but it was the humble tax collector who went home justified.
So, how do we guard against self-righteousness? It starts with recognizing that our salvation is a gift. We contribute nothing to the payment; we simply receive it with gratitude. The parable of the laborers in the vineyard in Matthew 20:1-16 reinforces this truth. Whether we come early or late to faith, the reward is the same—a gracious gift from the Master.
As you engage in good works, let humility be your constant companion. Remember that you are a recipient of grace, not a self-made righteous individual. The Apostle Paul, who himself referred to his works as "rubbish" compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ (Philippians 3:8), exemplifies this humility.
In conclusion, guard against the allure of self-righteousness. Recognize the danger, embrace humility, and let your good works flow from a heart transformed by God's grace. Until next time, this is Pastor Loren with "A Word from the Vine." May your journey be marked by grace, humility, and a steadfast love for our Savior.
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