Do not be overly righteous

Posted on Nov. 20, 2024, 7:32 p.m. by Rev. Shobayo Kayode The Gospel Study Centre

To be overly righteous is to live the Christian life in one’s strength. Strength that is based on outward adherence and in conformity to religious laws. Focusing on law more than establishing relationship with God, through Jesus Christ. The Scripture says, “Do not be overly righteous, nor be overly wise, why should you destroy yourself?” (Ecclesiates.7:16) The book of Proverbs explains overly righteous as something too much, even if that something is good. “Have your found honey? Eat only as much as you need, lest you be filled with it and vomit” (Prov.25:16) The Bible passage is telling believers to beware of relying on one’s strength that is based on outward adherence and in conformity to religious laws. Overly righteous is a fanatical zeal for religion that lays burden which God has not imposed. An attitude of Holier-than-thou. The type of righteousness expressed by the Pharisees when they accused the disciples of Jesus on account of plucking the head of grain on a Sabbath day. “And the Pharisee said to Jesus, “Look why do they do what is not lawful on the Sabbath?” (Mark.2:24) To the Pharisees and according to their law, it was inappropriate to pluck grains on a Sabbath day. Jesus in His response, reminded the Pharisees how David and those with him ate the showbread in the house of God when they were in need and hungry. (Mark.2:25-27) By the religious law, it is not lawful for them to eat except for the priest. But Jesus expressed the importance of meeting the urgent need of man rather than been so rigid and particular about religious laws. Apostle Paul in his letter to the brethren in Rome warns against being overly righteous. He said, one should not think more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, according as God has dealt to every man the measure of faith. (Rom.12:3b) It explains the fact that one does not misinterpret oneself as the one bringing goodness to God whereas it is God that is bringing goodness. Being overly righteous brings destruction because it makes one to become proud before God. It brings the attitude that sees God as indebted to one’s accomplishment. Pride destroys humility before God. We have to understand the fact that, it is by what God is to us, and what He does for us that ensures our relationship with Him and not by what we are and what we do for Him. So, when it comes to our spiritual practices, let us check whether the practices are bringing us closer to God. The intent of spiritual practices should be to have faith, that when one call on God, He hears and answers as a result of established relationship with Him. And that it is in Him our hope of eternal life is, not in religious law. Brethren, it is obvious that we do not know all God’s ways. Therefore, all we need to do is to trust Him and fear His judgement. Solomon concluded the chapter with the explanation that, it is God that makes man upright. (Eccl.7:29) Believer cannot be upright (Righteous) on his or her effort or through any other means other than faith in Jesus Christ. It therefore means that, there is no gain in being overly righteous. Evangelism Jesus Christ is the only source of righteousness. Share the Good News with someone today. Rev. Shobayo Kayode The Gospel Study Centre