MARKS OF A PHARISEE

These are preliminary notes. I have been reflecting lately on the marks of a Pharisee. I believe that American churches today are full of people with a Pharisaical spirit. I see the tendencies in my own life, and certainly see many men and women through the years who have exhibited a spirit similar to that of the only enemies Jesus ever had.

The Pharisees were popular, devout men who seemed to love God, had the entire Bible memorized, and who dedicated themselves to keeping the entire law of God. Yet, Jesus was hard on them in His criticisms, and in just three years' time they had Him crucified. So though they saw themselves as zealous for God, in truth they were the opposite. I'm afraid to say that wherever there is organized religion (which means power and control), there are Pharisees.

I see Pharisees when grumpy, stingy people go to the restaurant on Sundays after church. I see the marks of a Pharisee when negative, critical leaders oppose Christian relationships and protect a building or an institution at the expense of people. I become a Pharisee when I judge others and keep them down to protect my own position of power and influence. It is far more prominent and tempting than I would at first realize.

So, here is a working list of what I see as the marks of a Pharisee, based on descriptions in the Gospels:

1. Special "holy" marks to make them different from "secular" people. Sunday clothing, special vestments, holy haircuts, sanctified vocabulary, bumper stickers and Christian symbols, prominent Bibles, and other public displays of religiosity.
2. A public reputation for being religious. Protector of organized religion and traditions, loving the institution (more than God or the people in it). All people speak well of you.
3. A careful keeper of the law. Build fences around the law, so that there is a great distance between the believer and a person of the world. Don't do work on Sundays, avoid alcohol, cards, movies. Do not have contact with people of the world.
4. A judgmental spirit. Judges sinners and non-traditional prophets and sees self as more holy. Filled with hatred, has a critic's heart, doesn't give the benefit of a doubt to someone who differs, ignores love to carry out his or her religion. Quick to judge, quick to talk, quick to anger, slow to listen.
5. Pragmatic compromise. Ironically, is willing to compromise integrity in order to keep power. When convinced of the right path, willing to bend rules or write new ones to accomplish "God's" plan. Violates biblical principles for relationships, talks to wrong people and works politically to get his or her way. Creates policies to ensure power base and "protect the flock."
6. Filled with Bible knowledge and with a static worldview. Stopped learning, no longer teachable, has all answers, quotes Scripture, quick to argue a point, worldview paradigm has self and institution at the center.

How many of these marks would people say mark me? What would Jesus say about compromises I make to keep my job, or to keep my position of respect and influence in the church? Am I a snake, a hypocrite, a whitewashed tomb?

"LORD, You have searched me and You know me. Try me and see if there is any wicked way in me. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Deliver me from the evil one. I ask it in the name of Jesus and through the power of his blood. Amen."
-ker