Joel M Bradshaw

20So you will walk in the way of the good and keep to the paths of the righteous.–Proverbs 2

Here is a simple result of following biblical counsel. Do you want this kind of life? I would like to be known as a man who makes good choices and who pursues righteousness. This would place me in the category of the Pharisees or teachers of the law in Jesus’ day. They wanted this as well.

Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:19-20, with emphasis)

So Jesus wants me to have a righteousness that exceeds theirs. I need to make a contrast, then. The Pharisees are path 1 and biblical followers of Jesus are path 2.

1. SELF-RIGHTEOUS PATH. I can and should keep God’s law. My faithfulness to God secures my position as a follower of God. I have control over how I live my life and therefore how God views me. I am justified in my choices and attitudes if they are a result of following God’s law. Other people’s opinions matter to me for I work hard to maintain my righteous image.
2. SELF-DENIAL PATH. On my own I am unable to keep God’s law. I must face my inability and depend upon Jesus for the ability to truly honor God. My daily life as a disciple denies myself, picks up my cross, and follows Jesus. Rather than being justified now, I am justified by Jesus who on the cross died in my place. His opinion matters most. I live for His pleasure and to obey His leading.

When you encounter the wisdom in the Bible, you will either pursue a journey of self-justification or self-denial. And only one of those paths truly follows Jesus. What does your attitude communicate? How humble are you? Do you maintain excuses for the choices you make? I always have work to do here and must maintain daily diligence!–JMB