Mistaking Self-Esteem for Holiness
It is not safe for one to trust in his own opinion and reckon himself holy. Men have been very sure on this point, and yet very mistaken. A certain ruler once asked Jesus what he should do to inherit eternal life. Jesus referred him to the commandments of God as the standard of life, and he said, "All these have I kept from my youth up." He honestly believed that he was up to that standard, but the Lord knew better. Jesus replied, "Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." This unveiled his true character; when he heard these words, "he was very sorrowful, for he was very rich." Despite his good opinion of himself, he was covetous, and covetousness is idolatry. Eph. 5:5; Col. 3:5. Here was one man resting in his own righteousness, his own supposed holiness, who was really guilty of violation of the whole law. James 2:10. The instance of the Pharisee and the publican praying in the temple (Luke 18:10-14), is another illustration of mistaking self-esteem for holiness. "Whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted." Matt. 23:12.