5 Signs You Are Becoming a Pharisee

By Felix N. Codilla III, Christian Post Contributor Thursday, March 09, 2017

Jesus is truly the best teacher for the virtue of humility. Not only did He preach about it, He also became a worthy example by living a humble life. He and his disciples survived on bare essentials but never went hungry except during fasting. He was followed by multitudes of people but never exhibited the attitude of a rock star.

All throughout the New Testament, Jesus warned about the pitfalls of pride and conceit for it leads us to sin. To make His point, He often cited the Pharisees with their holier-than-thou attitude and boastful knowledge of the Scriptures. We Christians shouldn't have room for that kind of attitude, but sometimes we carry it without even noticing.

It is important to examine ourselves once in a while if we are falling to the ways of the Pharisees. Here are five signs that say you are becoming a modern-day Pharisee:

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1. Living a double life

We may be very active in church, but it could be just for show. We could be living a life at home, school or work that is opposite of our Sunday lifestyle. Our pastors and churchmates may not know it, but God who sees everything will judge us for our deeds.

2. Star complex

Being entrusted with a position in church like leading the praise and worship team or Bible study group can be a trap for pride. It is when people look up to us and admire us that we begin to entertain thoughts of self-importance. Suddenly, we begin to think highly of ourselves and become picky of our friends.

3. Quick to judge others without seeing our own flaws

Modern-day Pharisees are fault-finders. If we find it easy to spot other people's flaws especially when it comes to their lifestyle, then we deserve may also be rebuked, especially if we have our own bad habits we refuse to correct.

4. Developing the habit of criticizing

Modern-day Pharisees are also complainers. Let's examine ourselves. Do we always have something unpleasant to say about everything and everyone, and equate it with prohibitions in the Bible? Are we fond of participating in online bashing while quoting from Scriptures?

5. Full of disdain and lacking empathy

The Bible tells us to be watchful of self-righteousness. It is a selfish attitude as we insist on seeing things from our own perspective and dealing with it our way. This attitude potentially breeds contempt toward those who see things differently, replacing the love and understanding we're supposed to feel towards them.