One of most startling things about the ministry of Jesus was his focus. Some think that his ministry was to call out sinners — to pin their deeds against them and exact some sort of forced change. But, in reality, he reserved his harshest words for the religious folks — those who lived by rules and thrived on the judgement of others without any heart change.
*Your memory is excellent when it comes to remembering your good works and other’s faults.
* You routinely dismiss anyone who would dare to point out a “blind spot.”
* You verbally challenge the people who disagree with you.
* You rarely say, “I’m wrong” or “I’m sorry.”
* You find it difficult to fellowship with those different from yourself.
* You build up yourself and your group by tearing others down.
* You despise people who do not hold your convictions.
* You excuse your arrogant behavior because you hold to “the correct position.”
* You call your uncanny ability to catalog the faults of others “discernment.”
* Your sense of self-importance blinds you to the fact of how repulsive you are to others.
* You feel the trail of broken relationships in your past is due to some fault in the other parties.
* You visually and intellectually comply in order to gain acceptance and approval.
* You are so caught up in your own circle that you will do anything to maintain your reputation.
* You are dominated by the fear of man.
* You are insulted by the notion you may be a Pharisee.
Reading this, I have to ask the question. Am I a Pharisee? Are you?
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