Articles
Pretending to Be Righteous
Luke 20:20 summarizes the scribes and chief priests’ effort to entrap Jesus: “So they watched Him, and sent spies who pretended to be righteous, in order that they might catch Him in some statement, so that they could deliver Him to the rule and the authority of the governor.” Pretending to be concerned about truth and right, the chief priests’ agents posed various questions to Jesus. All they were really looking for was something to criticize. Somehow, they rationalized their own dishonesty.
Unfortunately, the pretense of righteousness did not die with them. Too often it recurs even among those who claim to follow Jesus.
Church splits sometimes happen this way. Brethren fuss and fight for a time. When one element has had enough, they find some “doctrinal issue” which now makes it impossible for them to continue associating with the rest. They go out and start a “new work” in the name of righteousness. The real problem, however, is unrighteous attitudes of pride and self-will.
This happens in marriages too. Spouses get at odds and someone wants out. There is no end to creative manipulation of facts or Scripture to “righteously” justify doing what Jesus plainly said not to do.
Jesus said of the Pharisees, “You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of men, but God knows your hearts” (Luke 16:15).
