No doubt most of us have experienced a holier than thou Christian before. The phrase is going to look different to everyone so I will elaborate on my perspective. Growing up as a child in church I got to interact with many types of Christians. There wasn’t one solid mold that everyone fit into, but certain behaviors were easily categorized and labeled. In many circumstances you would interact with Christians who knew the Bible well enough to quote you scripture. Often times the scripture that they quoted was more geared to scolding your behavior or propping themselves up. To me, this is what a holier than thou Christian looks like.
If we are honest with ourselves, we have all been on the receiving end and the giving end of being a holier than thou Christian. It doesn’t feel good to have criticism pointed at us and doesn’t make the other person feel good when we point fingers at them. It is something that we all need to be aware of and focus on trying to change. When we look at the broader picture, all of us are sinners and have our own personal faults. It isn’t helpful when do things to push people away from a relationship with Jesus. I think that one of the greatest weapons that the devil uses is holier than thou Christians.
Holier than thou Christians leave a repulsive taste.
One of the most noticeable behaviors that I see from a holier than thou Christian is that they tend to place themselves up on a pedestal. Sin is only spoken about when it doesn’t tarnish their behaviors. Biblical love is used when it is convenient to pat themselves on the back. Very seldom do these individuals acknowledge the log in their own eye when condemning the spec in other eyes. Here is the passage from Matthew. Notice that the language used to describe people exhibiting holier than thou behavior is identified by the term hypocrite. God does not look favorably upon people who act as hypocrites.
Matthew 7:3-5 New American Standard Bible 1995
3 Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and behold, the log is in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.
A hypocrite is someone who can only see the faults of others but isn’t humble enough to look in the mirror and see the error of their ways. Hypocrites will also often speak like they are the noble authority on an issue while at the same time tearing down the perspective of another. While we should rebuke behaviors that clearly go against what the Bible teaches us, we should also tread lightly in some instances where we cannot see the heart of the individual. The judgment of a heart is reserved for our creator only. The judgment of actions and behaviors is recognized by the fruit of the spirit.
Who is one person to tell another that their way of approach in a situation is wrong if the other person is sincerely following God with pure intent? Only a hypocrite would pretend to be the knowledge bearer fully capable of viewing the other person’s heart. The preachiness that some people exhibit shows that they are more concerned to bolster their self-conceited ways than they are about actually sharing the Gospel with others. When they speak, they polish their words in a way to look like the Biblical authority. They diminish the words of others while trying to make themselves look superior.
Don’t be a holier than thou Christian.
There is no need to elevate yourself into thinking that you are better than another believer. In fact, when a non-believer sees the actions of someone who is holier than thou, it pushes them away from the Gospel and a relationship with Jesus. Why would someone want to be part of a group of people who treats others this way after establishing their self-created hierarchy of invisible worthiness? People want to feel included, they don’t want to feel belittled or below someone. It is time for a lot of Christians to lower their noses and humble their actions.
Our greatest ministry to others is shown by our example and how we conduct ourselves. Are we easily approachable, trustworthy, humble, genuine, meek, and truthful? We need to start exhibiting traits that Jesus exhibited if we want to walk with him and lead more people to him. To the holier than thou Christian I say knock it off. You are doing damage to the body. People don’t want to be preached to, they want to be talked with. Sometimes we only have one opportunity to plant a seed. Let’s use that time to find the most fertile soil that we can in order to cultivate relationships with others that will benefit the kingdom of God.