31 Days of Repentance
By Monica Kritz
Mitchell County
Day 5: Forgive me for being self-righteous.
Sometimes I forget that not everyone was raised in a home like mine. Not that our home was “perfect,” but we did have a very loving, supportive, CHRISTian home life. And when I “look down” on other people who did not have that same home life, I am being self-righteous, and that is sin. Even now, it hurts me to think that I have ever had this attitude, whether consciously or not. Too often, I believe we commit this sin without even realizing it. I certainly do not want to “look down” on anyone! But if THE HOLY SPIRIT lives inside of our hearts, HE will open our eyes to these types of sins, of which we need to repent (turn away from). Herein is the need for a time of repentance, because there are many things from which we are to turn.
Being self-righteous is still a sin today in the CHRISTian community. That means me. That means you. My husband said that he thinks that is one of the biggest sins in the church today. We know we have sinned, but we have become CHRIST-followers. So maybe unconsciously, we think we don’t really sin anymore. But we do. If we would truly reflect at the end of each day, we would be surprised at how many times we sin! Did I leave work early? Did I have any hateful or sarcastic words or tones with anyone? Did I fail to forgive someone? Did I drive faster than the speed limit? Was I jealous of anyone today? Did I show any pride or arrogance in my attitude? Then, there are those sins of not doing something to help someone else, when we know GOD has asked us to do them. All of these…and more…are sins. And that is only a very small list! Sometimes I think we may feel we are entitled to do these things and because we are GOD’s children, HE will just overlook it. But how arrogant is that? Oh, how that must hurt the heart of GOD!
So at the end of each day, please take a few moments and “do an inventory.” Be honest. Admit your sins. Tell GOD about it. Ask HIM to forgive you and ask HIM to help you to not do it again. Or if there is something you need to do, something GOD has brought to your heart or mind, ask HIM for wisdom and help to do it. Then…do it!
LORD, forgive us for not turning to you, but instead to our own self-righteousness. YOU told us in YOUR Word that “our righteousnesses are as filthy rags;…” (Isaiah 64:6) Forgive us. Hear our prayers. May we then remember that we are YOUR children and that we can make a difference in this world. In JESUS’ precious loving and forgiving name I pray, Amen.
Challenge:
* Ask GOD to show you at least 1 way you can be a blessing to someone every day.
* Identify any areas of self-righteousness and turn away from them in repentance. Destroy self-righteousness in your life today.
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Jason and Monica Henley-Kritz live in the beautiful mountains of Spruce Pine, North Carolina, nestled near the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. Jason is the owner of Joyful Noise Vintage Audio & Electronics, where he repairs, rebuilds and restores vintage electronics. Monica is the owner of Monica’s Music Studio, where she teaches piano and music theory lessons. Jason and Monica were married in 2007, and they give GOD all the glory for any accomplishments in their lives.
Contact Monica with questions about the books or to order hard copies.
Email: monicasmusicstudio@gmail.com
Phone: 1 828 765 8789 ( Leave a message )
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