Neener, neener. Can you really be spiritually superior?

I have always had a hard time in conversations that somehow turned to a person's opinion of themself. Job interviews that resulted in the interviewer telling me how they single-handedly changed the entire company rather than getting to know what I bring to the table, or the date (pre-hubby of course) that was all about how it wasn't their fault that the relationship ended, they brought so much to it while the other person just didn't step up.'

While I have usually been rolling my eyes fairly reserved in these conversations, I find it harder to stand by and listen to people talk about their church, their faith, their walk as if it is greater than someone else's journey. Can you honestly imagine Jesus Christ saying to anyone "Neener, neener," and of all people, he really held the 'Neener neener trump card'. So how do some believers go as far to proclaim themselves spiritually superior (if you are saying "but I never called myself spiritually superior," than you're missing the point already).

The endless game of, "I am more approved in the Lord's eyes than you," divides the Body of Christ and worse gives non-believers a negative opinion of the Christian faith. Look at the world as a non-believer, how are they supposed to understand your love for every one when you can't even show love for each other? Fighting, choosing sides, instigating conflict is what is spread in public forums and this is what is seen by all and you need to ask yourself, if Jesus read this would he be happy with me. We already know God knows your intent, so are YOU happy with yourself for your actions.

When someone starts spreading the gospel based on their personal viewpoint and frame of reference, they can be creating a harmful message. The Bible repeatedly warns against trusting in the flesh for wisdom. Anyone who strays from the Word of God to rely on his own understanding is making a terrible mistake.

 "Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness." -- 1 Corinthians 3:18-19 

 

"Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools."-- Romans 1:21-22

Individuals who hold to an "I'm a better Christian than you" mindset can always find scripture that will support their stance. What they need to do is examine their rationale for holding to this view and deal with it biblically. If their offering of correction is not sparked from love, then one can only conclude vanity or revenge is their only motivation.

"Fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself."--Philippians 2:2-3