“We human beings are a strange lot. We hear high moral injunctions and glimpse just a little the genuine beauty of perfect holiness, and then prostitute the vision by dreaming about the way others would hold us in high esteem if we were like that” (D. A. Carson).
People who do this tend also to draw attention to the sins, faults, weaknesses, and failures of others. This is the comparison trap that can easily produce the poisonous spirit of the Pharisee who thanked God he’s not like other men.
Legalism provides people with a deceptive means for screening out their own sins by highlighting the sins of others. Let’s oppose this spirit on every level because it insults the grace that leads us to salvation.
Remember Jesus’ words, “You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye” (Matthew 7:5). Jesus condemned hypocritical judging. He insisted that we must “first” remove the log from our own eye before we’re prepared to notice and remove the speck from our brother’s eye.
If you know someone who has a habit of pointing out the sins, faults, weaknesses, and failures of others, recognize that this could be a cover up for issues in his own life, or a means of exalting himself over others.
People who are insecure or who always feel a need to be right or to know more than others are especially susceptible to this behavior. Gently encourage such people to reflect on the Apostle Paul’s words,
- “At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy” (Titus 3:3-5).
- “All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’ Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time” (I Peter 5:5-6).
see also – Legalism & Humility is not an emotion
Steve Cornell
Wisdomforlife 