External Show of Holiness
But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, Matthew 23:5.
The Trap of Outward Appearances
The Pharisees fell into this trap by performing good works, primarily to be seen and admired by others. The Pharisees did good works, so people would look at and exalt them. They wanted to be noticed and praised by people, more than concerned about genuinely loving and honoring God.
Obsession with Externals
One danger is an excessive focus on external appearances and adherence to traditions rather than cultivating a genuine relationship with God. Many Christians fall into the same trap, and I certainly have done so. We become very concerned about externals and teach and preach much about the exterior.
Desire for Praise
Another pitfall is the desire for praise and recognition from others for our religious activities and sacrifices, rather than doing them solely for the glory of God. Suddenly, people excessively focus on your appearance. Modesty is biblical, but when we focus so much on externals, we lose modesty and fall into the Pharisee obsession of what you look like and how you appear to others.
Elevating Traditions over God’s Commands
We can also fall into the trap of elevating our traditions and man-made rules above God’s actual commands, placing more importance on outward conformity than cultivating a genuine relationship with God. Even when dealing with the heart, if you love Jesus, you will obey the rules. Our priorities have shifted from humbly seeking God to appearing good before others.
Judgmental Attitude
This outward focus can breed a judgmental attitude toward others who may not conform to our standards or traditions. We see ourselves as superior because of our outward adherence. The Christian becomes judgmental of others and sees himself as more important because of his outward conformity. Suddenly, the believer is looking down on others.
Shifting Priorities
When consumed with outward appearances and the praise of others, our priorities shift from humbly seeking God to seeking the approval and admiration of our peers. Christians become concerned about making a show of their religious activity. They call attention to their faithfulness to God, their sacrifice, and their giving to be praised by men. Slowly, our traditions become more important than the actual commands of God. Obeying our rules means you are holy.
The Call to Genuine Devotion
To avoid this trap, we must continually examine our hearts and motives, focusing on cultivating a genuine love for God and a desire to honor Him. We should do our good works out of love and gratitude, not seeking recognition or adhering to empty traditions.
We must guard against seeking the praise of others and instead seek the approval of God alone. Our ultimate authority should be the Scriptures, not man-made rules and regulations.
Finally, we must cultivate an attitude of humility and grace toward others, recognizing that we are all on a journey of growth and transformation, rather than judging or looking down on those who may not conform to our standards.
Looking Down on Others
The Pharisee and the Publican or Tax Collector were praying. The Pharisee looked to heaven and thanked God that he was not like the other people: robbers, evildoers, adulterers, or even this tax collector. He then reminded God of all the good he did to obey God.
Too many trust their actions while looking down on others with contempt and treating them as worse.
I heard a person say once. “Look at that person smoking. He is already smelling like where he is going, hell!” No compassion for the one they perceived as a sinner.
They condemned even Jesus for caring about sinners like the tax collectors or a woman they trapped in adultery.
How often do we have similar attitudes of contempt towards those we perceive as worse sinners than us? They deal with addictions, attractions, and attitudes that we find horrible.
The Bible instructs us to welcome others like we were welcomed, rather than adopting a critical, judgmental attitude. We sing “Just As I Am” as the way to come to Christ, but often have a hidden attitude.
Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. Romans 15:7.
Attention Grabbers
The Pharisees ensured all their friends, followers, and even foes saw them do good deeds. They prayed long, pious prayers, showing off their spirituality and knowledge. They felt no shame in thanking God that they were better than others.
They loved being honored by sitting in the preferred seats. They expected everyone to call them by their titles. There was no familiarity, no friendship, nothing personal with these pompous guys.
They publicly worried about the most minor details of the law. They strained at gnats and swallowed camels. Today, we are often more worried about little things than pride, arrogance, covetousness, anger, selfishness, and bitterness.
They were great at following the prescribed list of rules that they all agreed on. They did whatever it took to be the center of attention, get the most likes, and followers.
They bragged about all their accomplishments in less-than-humble brags.
They loved to be the first to share the latest gossip and tear down another.
Thoughts for Us
We desire to be humble, honest followers of Jesus Christ. It is more important that we live for an audience of One than for everyone worldwide. We have a way to judge ourselves considering all this.
But if ye have
bitter envying and
strife in your hearts,
glory not, and lie not against the truth. 15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is
earthly,
sensual,
devilish.
16 For where
envying and strife is,
there is confusion and every evil work.
17 But the wisdom that is from above is first
pure, then
peaceable,
gentle, and
easy to be intreated,
full of mercy and
good fruits,
without partiality, and
without hypocrisy.
18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that