𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐏𝐎𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐍 𝐎𝐅 𝐒𝐄𝐋𝐅

The Bible holds a bipartite perspective on the self. On the one hand is the open avowal that all men are created equal in the image of the Almighty and on the other, it affirms the fallen nature of humanity, which often leads to self-centeredness and sin. The self sought autonomy apart from God and this led Adam and Eve to disobey God (ref Genesis 3:5-6). This act of rebellion marked the beginning of self-centeredness.

Religion is an organized system of beliefs and practices. Religion is man-made. You can never have a personal relation with God simply on account of being Religious.

Notice vs1 says that the question was posed by both Pharisees and the Saducees together — people who never agreed with each other on practically anything and everything. Scripture says that two can't walk together except they be agreed (ref Amos 3:3), and that seems to be the case here too.

So, in short:

1. Religion is not concerned with the truth
2. It is man-centered being man's way to God
3. Organized religion understands the temporal but not the eternal.

The fulfillment of multiple self-needs is a key reason for the worldwide and enduring appeal of religion. Religion finds safety in sacred texts, rituals, and traditions that have guided humanity for centuries. In stark contrast, the Bible says:

“The tradition of men” implies the human propensity toward sinfulness (ref Romans 7:18) and encompasses the moral or spiritual weaknesses that accompany our earthly state.

The Scriptures consistently warn against pride emphasizing humility and dependence on the Lord as virtues to be cultivated. It is frequently portrayed in the Bible as a precursor to downfall (ref Proverbs 16:18). Pride taints our eyesight, causing us to view ourselves through a lens that renders a perverted view of reality and in the process painting even our ugliness in sin as beautiful and commendable. It is precisely because of this that identifying our sickness becomes very arduous. However, there often are subtle and sneaky symptoms of the infection of pride.

i) Fault-Finding - The eminently humble Christian sees so much evil in his own self that he is not apt to be very busy with others.

ii) A Harsh Spirit - Belittling of the struggles of others and a distinct lack of humility.

iii) Superficiality - The proud are more obsessed with others’ perceptions of them than the reality of their own hearts.

iv) Belligerence - True humility continues in doing good, entrusting the soul to the Almighty Creator.

v) Presumption and Arrogance - The scripture speaks of the importance of reverence and respect for God while also finding joy in serving Him

It thus highlights the balance between acknowledging God's majesty and the happiness that comes from being His subjects.

However, the proud man considers it as anathema, a bete noire of sorts.

vi) Desperate for Attention - Pride is hungry for attention, respect, and worship in all its forms.

vii) Neglecting Others - Pride prefers some people over others. It honors those who the world deems worthy of honor. This runs contrary to scripture which states that all are to be treated as equals (ref James 2:9)

Without grounding or humility, spirituality can drift into self-delusion — where personal enlightenment becomes more important than collective compassion.

I) Self Righteousness - Self-righteousness is a psychological phenomenon that transfuses various aspects of human behavior, manifesting as an invariant assurance of the moral superiority of self over others and often leading to judgmental attitudes towards others. The scripture takes a divergent view when it states :

II) Self Pity - Another related aspect of being unduly concerned with the “self”. It is no less poisonous than the former because it cages man by enforcing a victim mindset and keeping him engrossed in his troubles rather than on the one who is able and willing to.take care of us.

It involves a sense of being uniquely afflicted or unfairly treated and thus dares insinuate that God is somehow unjust.

III) Self Justification - It is the mental process of rationalization of actions, thoughts, and feelings to relieve cognitive dissonance. Individuals create false narratives to defend their actions as we have an innate desire to see ourselves in a positive light. The Book of Jonah says in chapter 2 vs 8 :

“They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.”

The family is central to God's purposes and work on this earth and self-justification has a profound, often negative impact on interpersonal relationships. This can lead to a lack of accountability thus affecting the family structure that He envisioned. Hence, His judgement on these matters are fierce.

IV) Spiritual Pride - Spiritual pride is a subtle and dangerous form of pride that manifests in an individual's religious life. The afflicted focuses on the faults of others while ignoring one's own shortcomings and is prone to resist correction or instruction.

“And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?” [Matthew 7:3; KJV]

This form of pride can hinder one's relationship with God and others, as it places the self above the humility and servitude exemplified by Christ.

Distinct spiritual, relational and practical repercussions arise from choosing to follow fleshly impulses (ref Romans 8:6) for when carnal instincts have the upper hand, the crevasse between the creator and His created increases and consequently there is an absence of spiritual vitality.

The teaching that believers are to find their true identity in Jesus Christ have been inculcated via the scripture (ref Galatians 2:20). The approach whereby one’s identity rests in the Lord, ensures that self-love transforms into grateful acceptance of God’s grace and design thereby combating both vanity and self-hatred and enabling a Christ-centered perspective.