"Let's not get caught in the game of one-upmanship," said an alert friend, breaking off a religious discussion that was fast becoming overblown with posed virtue.
Spirituality has never been something to put on and take off at will. But trying to outdo others in stating spiritual truths or in making an outward show of religiousness has long been a stumbling block. Instead of aiming for the mere appearance of spirituality, how much better to put into action what one understands of his true, spiritual, loving nature! And then let his actions speak for themselves.
Christ Jesus saw through the sham, holier-than-thou posture. He rebuked it and commended those who acted with humility. A useful example is his parable of the Pharisee and the publican who went into the temple to pray. Whereas the Pharisee gave thanks for not being sinful like others, the publican humbly asked for God's mercy, and it was he who left justified. Jesus, Luke records, "spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others." Luke 18:9;
