Dear <<First Name>>,
“And He said to him, “You have answered correctly; DO THIS AND YOU WILL LIVE.” But wishing to justify himself, he said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”” Luke 10:28, 29, NAS95.
The story of the "Good Samaritan" is set up by this interchange with Jesus. The "expert in religion" answers correctly about the priority of loving relationships with God and man being supreme above all other things. However, since this is very difficult to do, he sees if he can "stay correct" while relieving himself of the obligation to love all people.
I am so glad this story is here, for I have often found myself wrestling with the scriptures, in an effort to be right with God while doing my own will. I am sure we can all identify with this. And this is the rub..."But wishing to justify himself..."may make us correct in theology and completely off base in heart.
Trying to justify ourselves is one of the big traps of pride. We want to make sure we are right while doing what is wrong. It begins early in life when as a child we say, "but he hit me first." There are three ways we are continually trying to justify ourselves as shared in this account:
1) The behavior of others: I am convinced that there is more bad behavior among Christians due to poor modeling than poor theology. The behaviors of the two religious leaders who passed the beaten man were justified by their having to go worship.
2) Feigned ignorance: "I really don't know what the bible says about this..., so it's alright if I do it."
3) I keep wanting look good: "I want to make sure everyone knows I have it all together."
Jesus puts a smack-down on these "justifying my ego" attitudes by showing that the people we regard as the least are more righteous than us.
Beware of your pride. It will try to get you from every side. Being aware of your justifying practices is one of the best ways to gain a closer walk with God and others. Repentance and humility are what build relationships over correctness and pride. Go and humble yourself to someone today.
Here is today's reading.
Tuesday
Love,
Pastor Stuart
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