You know who I mean. Those double-standard hypocrites. Those divisive, selfish phonies. If someone would just set them straight!
Of course, not us. It’s those other people, right? Yeah. We’re cool. Sure, we have our faults. But at least we’re not as bad as those people.
Danger Will Robinson. We’ve just walked into the pharisee trap.
“Thank you Lord, that I’m not like other people – robbers, evildoers, adulterers – or even like this tax collector.” (Pharisee) Luke 18:11
Everybody thinks it’s other people. Do you know a group or organization who are “the problem?” How about a family member who’s “just no good?” Ever call a preacher a “heretic?” You may be right about all these sinners. But it’s just not for us to say.
“Many a man proclaims his loving devotion, but who can find a trustworthy man?” Proverbs 20:6
We’re only righteous in Him. The minute we point out someone’s shortcomings, we’re doing His job. We’re now set up like a bowling pin to be knocked down. We’re not the standard. Jesus is, and only He gets to say who falls short.
“There is no one righteous…” Romans 3:10
Dang. That’s us.
But wait! There’s extremely good news! He loves us anyway! “Even while we were yet sinners…” Romans 5:8
Yes, even “those people!”