One good servant of God, who wrote many songs that are used for worship in many churches, worked hard to manage his family expenses. However, he thought he had to earn daily, eat daily bread, and must not save. He reasoned: “If I save, how can I pray: Lord give this day our daily bread.” Because of this adamant stand, his wife and children greatly suffered. Solomon warns: “Be not overly righteous, and do not make yourself too wise. Why should you destroy yourself?” (Ecclesiastes 7:16)
1) Asceticism: There were good disciples of Lord Jesus Christ who left homes, people and villages and lived in caves or monasteries, unmarried, practicing strict disciplines to train their physical bodies. God does not call all disciples to practice asceticism. Lord Jesus Christ dwelt among people, and those who serve him need not be a runaway from the world.
2) Legalism: Pharisees were condemned for their hypocrisy and legalism. They neglected justice, mercy and faithfulness, but followed minor aspects of religions with great fervor and zeal. (Matthew 23:23)
3) External purity: Prophet Joel states that people should not show external piety, but inner agony, repentance and sorrow seeking Lord’s face. (Joel 2:12-13) It is not about how long a person fasts or frequency, but intention and motivation of hearts.
4) Presumption: Some people are over righteous by thinking presumptions as faith. Sovereign God feeds all birds, but not in the comfort of their nests, they must go out and search. (Matthew 6:26)
5) Saving or hoarding: Solomon exhorted unwise people to save like ants do. (Proverbs 6:6-8) However, hoarders will be condemned by people. (Proverbs 11:26) Lord taught in the parable of a rich man who enlarged his warehouses and hoarded grains for many years was foolish. (Luke 12: 13-21)
Taking any simple teaching to extreme precepts of dos and don’ts; will lead to false teaching or creation of a cult group. Lord taught his disciples to lead a life of dependence on the Heavenly Father by praying for daily bread. He did not condemn saving or living with forethought.
Am I over righteous or over wise?