Religion has a way of making us look good.
It also makes us think we actually are good people! But there is a catch.
Religion deceives. It promotes a belief, concept or idea that is not true. Religion makes claims that shape our worldview and mandate how we live and act, both as individuals and in the community.
Look at the scenario that Jesus put forth to the Pharisees and teachers of religious law in Matthew 21:28-32
A man with two sons told his eldest son, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ And he said ‘Nope! Not today, dad!’ but afterward he changed his mind and went.
The father went to his other son and repeated the command. This boy responds, ‘I’ll do it, dad!’ but he never went.
Which of these two sons did the will of his father?
The people answered, “The first son.”
Then Jesus said, “Correct. Truly, I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you. Because John showed you the way of righteousness and you didn’t believe him, but the tax collectors and prostitutes believed. Even when you saw the change in their lives, you did not change your minds and believe him.”
Religious people hold to a fierce sense of self-rightness and pride because they believe that they are genuinely good people. Their sins are not blatantly public or scandalous on the level of real sinners. And really, is it even a sin if it’s small? Religious people look good, dress correctly, do all the morally right things, yet miss the kingdom of God because Jesus places more value on what is inside a person than what is purported to the public.
The second son in this parable said the right thing, but did the wrong action.
The eldest son initially responded in rebellion, but then ended up taking correct action.
God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.
Religious people feel they’re already half-way to heaven without God’s help. It is these exact people that God resists. He cannot abide self-righteousness. It is detestable to him. Just read through the book and Matthew and take note of how often Jesus delivers scathing judgement on the Pharisees and teachers of religious law.
Jesus desires mercy more than the sacrifice.
Humility, above moral rightness.
Forgiveness, above personal justice.
Jesus is more interested by what is on the inside than what is on the outside.
I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:20
Pride makes us fake. Humility makes us real.
TM