When we think of self-righteousness, we often picture the Pharisees or Judaizers—those zealous rule-keepers who followed Paul around. But self-righteousness isn’t just about legalism in the old religious sense. It can look like something much more subtle… even admirable.
Legalism, Martha Style
Take Martha, for example. She was literally serving the Lord—hosting Jesus in her home, preparing food, and showing hospitality. If she was in today’s church, she would have been modelled as the perfect believer. The Pastor would have probably called her to the front of the church or put a Facebook post for everyone to follow. But regarding her, Jesus said that she was not the one who chose the best option, Mary was.
We’re not made righteous because we serve Him; we serve because He’s made us righteous. The lesser is blessed by the greater—not the other way around.
Martha, Meet Mary
Jesus gently corrected her, pointed out that Mary made the better choice.
The one who made an impression wasn’t the one who served, but the one who came with an appetite. Let that sink in.
Mary was hungry, and she sat at the feet of Jesus to be fed. That’s what grace looks like. That’s what righteousness by faith looks like. Jesus said:
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” (Matthew 5:6)
So how can you tell when someone has submitted to God’s righteousness?
They’re content.
They’re not always about serving serving serving to earn approval.
They’re not singing songs about still being hungry and hoping to be fed.
Instead, they’re full. And in their fullness, they’re pointing others to the Bread of Life. They are servers too, but out of love, not compulsion.
They know what it means to be filled with righteousness, not because they worked for it, but because they received it by grace through faith. And now, they’re inviting others to come and eat.
The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve (Matthew 20:28). So let’s not forget to receive what He came to give.
What do we emphasize in our churches?
Let’s be honest—many churches emphasize serving and ministry involvement far more than they emphasize the opening of spiritual eyes and the renewal of the mind. You’ll hear dozens of sermons about joining a team, volunteering, going out and evangelizing. And while those things aren’t wrong—they’re not where the Christian life begins.
Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 1:18 wasn’t that believers would get busy serving. It was:
“That the eyes of your understanding may be enlightened, that you may know the hope of His calling…”
Paul knew that true transformation and power come when our eyes are opened to who Christ is—and who we are in Him.
How many church members are being mobilized without first being deeply rooted in their identity in Christ? We often put people in motion before they’ve had a moment to sit at Jesus’ feet and understand what’s been freely given to them.
When you understand the riches of God’s grace, the work flows naturally—but it flows from rest, not from religious pressure.
Before Jesus ever sent His disciples out, He first called them to be with Him (Mark 3:14). That’s the pattern. Revelation before mission.
Let’s stop measuring spirituality by busyness.
Let’s stop treating discipleship like a sign-up sheet.
Let’s point people first to the table—not the kitchen.
You’ll find that those who truly see Jesus for who He is will serve more effectively than those who are trying to earn what they’ve already been given.
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