To Ourselves First….

I think the number one most important principle in the scripture is the Bible is God’s way of communication with us. We are accountable to God. Once we forget this, we either forget about Him all together, or we exempt ourselves from God’s precepts only holding others to them with scrupulous vigor. Both are dangerous behaviors, but the latter is what Jesus opposed so consistently. Self-righteousness forms in both of these behaviors. But it flourishes in the one that allows us a back seat in our accountability to God. We are responsible to Him, and it starts by applying scripture to ourselves first.

“Israel has built many altars to take away sin, but these very altars became places for sinning! 12 Even though I gave them all My laws, they act as if those laws don’t apply to them.13 The people of Israel love their rituals of sacrifice, but to Me their sacrifices are all meaningless. I will hold My people accountable for their sins, and I will punish them. They will return to Egypt. 14 Israel has forgotten its Maker and built great palaces, Hosea 8:11-14a