In Perspective

  There is a tendency to become like the people you surround yourself with. As a Christian—a child of God who desires to live and think the way He wants—being around modern-day Pharisees is unhealthy for your spiritual growth. So, what is a Pharisee in today’s context? Let’s break this down so you can identify one and stay away from them. Even better, my hope for this article is that it will help us recognize any Pharisaical attitudes in our own lives and encourage us to stop living and thinking that way. In modern Christianity, “Pharisees” is a metaphor for people or groups who, while appearing devout or religious, often miss the heart of the Gospel. The original Pharisees in the Bible were a Jewish sect known for strict adherence to the law and traditions, but Jesus rebuked them for their hypocrisy, pride, and lack of mercy (Matthew 23). Here’s how this concept translates today: Legalism and Lack of Grace Modern-day Pharisees often focus on rigid rules, rituals, or appearances. ...