When you know the truth, lies are easily discernible because you only have to know the truth. If you read the Bible and understand what it says, then you know the truth. This is why your average Christian doesn’t need to study other religious texts.

In John 8:32, Jesus tells his listeners, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (NIV). Jesus speaks of the truth that “everyone who sins is a slave to sin” (John 8:34 NIV). What happens when someone knows this truth but has wandered so far from it that they cannot see the lie in their own life but in others?

Such a person is self-righteous and is a danger to the very truth they believe in. Indeed, can one say that such a person still belongs to the truth? If I am a Christian and I say that I follow Christ and follow the tenets of the Christian faith, yet point a self-righteous finger at all of the “sinners” in the world, am I really following the principles of Christianity? Do I love my neighbor as myself if I condemn my neighbor?

There is a difference between telling people about Jesus and pointing out their sins. Before I became a Christian, I wasn’t inclined to want to be a part of Christianity by anyone who pointed out the evil things I did. However, the love of God was attractive. So attractive, in fact, that when I embraced the Lord and he showed me my sin, there was no condemnation. Only the love of a Father who wanted what was best for his child.

In 1 Corinthians, Paul tells us, “Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves” (1 Corinthians 11:28-29 NIV), Paul is talking about those sharing in the Lord’s Supper in context. However, the premise of examining ourselves is critical to the life of every Believer.

People evaluate Christianity by evaluating those who call themselves “Christians.” Suppose we fail to examine ourselves and fall into the trap of self-righteousness. In that case, we become hypocrites and damage any witness we might have.

Throughout the New Testament, we see evidence of self-righteousness. Here’s one example from John 8.

The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say? (emphasis added)

John 8:3-5 (NIV)

I’d say, “Where’s the man? It takes two to commit adultery!” What does the Law of Moses really say?

“‘ If a man commits adultery with another man’s wife—with the wife of his neighbor-both the adulterer and the adulteress are to be put to death” (emphasis added).

Leviticus 20:10 (NIV)

I’m not saying they should have brought the man and stoned them both. However, if they genuinely wanted to follow the law, they would have brought both the man and the woman. Instead, they weren’t interested in following the law. No, the teachers of the law and the Pharisees had other motives. They were trying to trap Jesus.

They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.

John 8:6 (NIV)

We know that it takes two people to commit adultery, and so did those teachers of the law and Pharisees. However, they were so caught up in their self-righteousness they didn’t see the fallacy in their argument that the woman should be put to death. Such is the way of sin when we allow it to take hold of us.

This is why we need to examine ourselves. This is also why we can’t examine ourselves through our own eyes, which is why we go to God and ask him to help us.

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV)

Do you know God? God knows you, and he loves you. He sees you as significant because you are. No one is insignificant to Him. He’s with you today, and he wants you to know him. Jesus died for your sins and mine so we could be free of guilt, freed from death, and live eternally with him. Eternal salvation is just a prayer away.

Pray this prayer with me to accept the gift of salvation:

Lord Jesus, forgive me for all my sins. I repent from my ways. Wash me in your blood and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I believe that you died on the cross, were buried, and on the third day, God the Father raised you from the dead. Right now, Lord Jesus, I open the door to my heart and receive you into my heart as my Lord and personal Savior. Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, then congratulations! You are on the first step of a brand new life. Allow me to be the first to welcome you to my family, the family of God. There are abundant resources available online for new Christians. You can visit here for more information on what to do next. You can also leave me a comment, and I’ll do my best to help you on the next step of this incredible journey.

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