Banes S. Lal
We don't have to look very far to notice that today, the insidious act of continuously scrutinizing others who don't fit into certain narratives has permeated our society, breeding an air of superiority, selfish pride and holier-than-thou attitude. It appears that some of these attitudes have made their way into Christian gatherings.
The Scriptures offer timeless wisdom that unequivocally denounces such behaviour. As Proverbs 16:18 warns, "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall." This cautionary text reminds us that pride, in any form, is not only a deviation from the teachings of the Bible but a direct path to self-destruction.
In his epistle, James reinforces this admonition by declaring, "God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble" (James 4:6). The very essence of pride is opposed to the humility that God esteems. To elevate oneself by looking down on others who don't fit into a singular personal narrative invites divine opposition.
Furthermore, such disdainful attitudes often stem from deep-seated insecurity, as individuals seek validation by comparing themselves favourably to others. This misguided pursuit of self-worth is fruitless, for as it is written, "Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the Lord pondereth the hearts" (Proverbs 21:2).
Even within Christian circles, the temptation to exalt oneself above others can be pervasive. Whether it be through a sense of moral superiority or overconfidence in one's abilities to expound on scripture, the danger remains. While confidence is commendable, it must be tempered with humility and empathy rooted in faith. As believers, our assurance rests not in our own achievements but in the grace of God through Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:8–9).
So, isn't it time to turn down our blow-horn and move away from pride to grace?
Let us, therefore, be wary of those within the Christian circles who, instead of uplifting their brethren, seek to rob their spiritual joy. Whether through judgmental perspectives, faulty teaching, or constantly blasting the world for its ways, these individuals hinder the congregation's spiritual growth, especially when there is a tremendous need for spiritual food. These people may claim to provide nourishment for the soul, but in reality, they offer only bitterness and strife. Does this reflect their personal lives, lack of parenting skills or absence of leadership?
Additionally, we must acknowledge the hypocrisy of those who display outward expressions of tearful emotions and devotion during worship yet fail to exhibit the same compassion and kindness towards their fellow believers. It is easy to shed tears and appear faithful, but true devotion to God is reflected in how we treat others on a daily basis. Let's pause to self-reflect before we rise to pontificate and place the tracks of our tears on full display. Our fellow believers are not just people who only participate in the Lord's Supper but our brothers and sisters in Christ, deserving of our love and respect.
As James 1:22 admonishes, "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." Let us not deceive ourselves by claiming to love God while harbouring pride and contempt toward our brothers and sisters. True worship, the kind that truly honours God, involves not only our sincere expression of love toward God and the Lord Jesus but also our actions as we seek to emulate the love and humility of Christ in all aspects of our lives.
Let us recognize our unworthiness before God and extend grace and compassion to our fellow Christian believers and neighbours. In doing so, we embody the essence of the Christian life—a life marked by love, service, and humility. Let us embrace this calling and strive to build Christian assemblies characterized by genuine humility, mutual respect, and unwavering love for one another.
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