Being holier than thou is an interesting topic. Nobody wants to discuss this publicly. However, the conversation is a favorite behind the scenes.
When I mention someone being holier than thou, you have a person or persons come to mind. Or, you might be offended at the topic for any number of reasons.
Holier than thou is typically an individual's mindset rather than a trait found in groups. Non-Christians are often fast to label us as hypocrites, along with being holier than thou.
I admit, there are times that I've earned the holier than thou title. There are other times that I felt as though I am the outcast in the room. Let's face it; nobody would want to be on either side of this scenario.
It's understandable why non-believers and new Christians who walk into Church on Sunday and feel out of place. I know as I've set in the same pews, questioning why THAT person walked through the same door and sat down next to me. There's judgment on both parts.
Matthew 7:1-5 NASB “Do not judge so that you will not be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye, and behold, the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.”
Is this not the truth? Are we not so quick to judge others that we look right past our personal flaws?
Missing opportunities because of our holier than thou attitude.
How many missed opportunities to be a light have I passed on, and instead, looking down on them? As a Christian, my words are to speak life. Tearing others down when they need an ear, voice or a friend is so unlike what Jesus would do.
My point is not to scold my brothers and sisters in Christ; the purpose is bringing awareness of our actions.
We have to ask ourselves, “Are we fulfilling God's word by the labels and judgments made?” Does this mean we should carefully examine our behaviors digging deeper in The Word for answers? I think so.
We are all in this together so building a podium to lift ourselves up is not an honorable way to lead people to him. Our path must show God's love, and the Lord will take care of the rest.
Avoid falling into the same outcast crowd as I have in the past. It is a bitter trap.
Romans 2:1 NASB “Therefore you have no excuse, everyone of you who passes judgment, for in that which you judge another, you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things.”
Forgiving brothers and sisters in Christ who have treated me unfairly or unjustly is incredibly fulfilling. Forgiveness is a very hard task to conquer. Still, you'll set your soul free when you forgive.
Ultimately, my final thoughts are summed up in Matthew 18:21-22
Matthew 18: 21-22 NASB “Then Peter came and said to Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus *said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.”
Surely, it won't take seventy-seven times to figure out what Jesus meant.