Their own form of righteousness

When writing to the Church in Rome, Paul mentioned those who were “seeking to establish their own righteousness” (Romans 10:3).

In the book of Judges, before Israel's monarchy was established, the people of Israel were written of as doing what was “right in his own eyes” (Judges 17:6; 21:25).

When people think they are doing the right thing, they think of themselves as moral people.

The language of morality kicked into an unusually high gear on the Senate floor Monday.

Ms. KLOBUCHAR. “He knew that the moral test of government is how government treats its most vulnerable citizens: those in need, those who are seniors, those with disabilities.”

Mr. WYDEN. “It is about the moral obligation we have in America to do everything within our power to make sure that kids and families do not go hungry.”

Mr. CASEY. “I don't know the words for that--heartless, callous--but it is not good for any of us. It is a stain on the moral fabric of America when any administration does that. … The moral case is unassailable here. There is no disputing the benefit of this program, especially now. So I think the moral question is settled. I just hope folks will consider it.”

Jesus said, “the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me’” (Matthew 25:40).

Jesus was not speaking to governing officials. He was speaking as the governing official.

There's a difference between the governors and the governed.  The moral obligation of the governed is to do good and not evil. “Governors are sent by Him to punish the evildoers and praise the virtuous” (1 Peter 2:14). The moral test of govenment is whether or not it correctly “punishes those who do evil and praises those who do good.”

The Scriptures say, “If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10). That's not being “heartless” or “callous.” That's letting people's own hunger motivate them to be productive and produce value for others.

The Senators seem sincere in their beliefs about their own forms of righteousness. Nonetheless, the Scriptures are unassailable, and they also say, “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil” (Isaiah 5:20).