The Pharisees were members of an ancient Jewish religious group who followed the Oral Law in addition to the Torah and attempted to live in a constant state of purity. In reading about them in the Bible, we learn that they so focused on the letter of the law, that they forgot God’s heart of the law. While they were outwardly making displays of how they followed the law, their hearts were far from Him. Thinking that I could perhaps use a spirit-check - couldn’t we all? To make sure we have not unknowingly slipped into a modern day version of the Pharisee?
“They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. They do all their deeds to be seen by others.” Matthew 23:4-5
“Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 18:10-14
It is from these kinds of stories that the word “Pharisee” has taken on another definition in the dictionary:
And sadly, how many times does the world refer to Christians with this definition? Is it any wonder so many want nothing to do with us? Oh, that I would not act or speak in such a way as to be seen as self-righteous. Lord, fill me with your grace that overflows from my life to others.
Now I know there are a lot of very graceful and loving Christians out there who do not fit this description. But there must be enough of us who do fit it, to cause so many to be turned off by our testimony.
Why do I judge?
Do I have a right to judge/condemn/criticize others? Especially my brothers and sisters in Christ? When I truly examine my own heart and seek God, the answer starts to surface. “Why am I getting so bent out of shape about this?” Look beyond the surface of my feelings to the real reason… deep down. Am I being self-righteous? I think hard about this. Am I?… Why? Am I trying to convince myself (and others?) that I am righteous? That I am better than them? That I am good enough? To make ourselves feel better – because deep down we know the awful ugliness in our own hearts.
Pride. Ego. Anger. Bitterness. Resentment. Unforgiveness. Envy. Jealousy. Selfishness.
We get upset when others don’t live up to our expectations. When really we should focus on living for God and encouraging others - rather than tearing them down. Nitpicking on things that don’t matter. Things that aren’t eternal. That we would show more grace when people make mistakes, make poor choices (for those who are not as perfect as we are!) As for the things that do matter, things that are eternal, do we think judging them will woo them into the kingdom of God? “But I must make them aware of their sin so that they can repent!” The old saying still holds true – you can catch a lot more flies with honey than with vinegar. Let us build relationships upon which people will want to hear words of truth. We must invest in their lives with our time and friendship, building a foundation of trust and mutual respect.
I cannot see clearly to take the sliver out of another’s eye until I remove the log from my own eye. (And lest we think we have removed the log from our eye so as to justify us to remove the sliver from our neighbor’s…) Is my log ever really gone? Or does the removal of it just reveal another? Layers upon layers of logs and slivers needing attention.
Before I speak a critical word, may I remember to be an example by living simply with grace and mercy. Remembering that just as God in His mercy forgave me in all the ugliness of my sin, I too, need to extend mercy to those who might seem undeserving.
Let us lavish each other with graciousness, encouragement, mercy and love, using gently spoken words - words of life and not death. Remembering that it is God who leads them to repentance, and not us.
Thank you for sharing that video Jenifa. Much to glean. This topic of being judgemental or having a critical spirit and unforgiveness. Hurtful experiences from our past which we haven't fully forgiven, or let go of and allowing it to taint our attitude toward others actions now and in the future. Oh, I think there is a lot to this. :)
ReplyDeleteGrace and Mercy to you,