Christians with a superiority complex

[ByTheSpirit]

So I've watched over the last few weeks as someone close to me has developed from someone who genuinely loved all other people and would give time and anything to help all, into someone who judges instantly as they look at others with comments like "They're gay" or "What a sinner". The transformation started around the time this person began attending a local Pentecostal church. Its even spilled over into my relationship with them.

So my question is how hard is it to get a person who suddenly feels entitled to judge others because of who THEY think they are and how good THEY are for going to church, etc, to be humble again and loving. A pretty open ended question I know, but one worth asking. Any time I say they should stop judging off looks or be humble and forgive, I'm scolded and reminded of their Spirit filled personality.

A situation happened recently where this person started shaking violently apparently (as I was told) in this new church and she was prayed over and told she had received the Spirit, then subsequently the entire 20 member congregation did as well. That was when the attitudes and mentality shifted. Perhaps a form of pride, but deadly none the less.

If nothing else please pray for me and this individual who I care deeply about for a peaceful and speedy resolution.

 

[Sophrosyne]

I've come across similar instances in my life regarding the "super spiritual" Christians who over time develop a nature of condemning others who don't act or think like them. They are 'in the spirit" and think it makes them holier than others who are not so much "in the spirit". I think it is similar to the sin of pride that is equated with lucifer in the Bible. One often equates favor with the big boss as being promoted above others with less favor which to them makes them feel they are a higher class than others. I'm not a very spiritual Christian I don't hear God or have visions like others and I see that those others think they are closer to God because of such and look down on those who do not have such "gifts".
About the only thing you can say to such folks is God is no respecter of persons.

 

[Returner]

I knew a Christian like that too, but worse.

This Christian, (let's call him John) was very mean to people that either weren't Christian or didn't go to the same church as he did.
John had bible studies at his house and hated the people that didn't come to them when he personally invited them.

John also was going to Theology classes to become a Minister.

He was a very hateful Christian and I personally didn't understand why that was. He was the kind that had huge crosses and Christian things hanging on his walls in his house too.

 

[Alithis]

I know someone ike that ..

oh wait -- its ME lol .
oh dang ..

but let me consider .. at times when I find myself becoming like that I begin to self question ..why am I being so negative ..
and personally I find it is inner anger or self judgment of something in my life that is not right with the lord and I transfer that anger at self ..or I manifest that self loathing as judgment of others .
however upon this realization I pray repent ,get right with the lord his joy floods me afresh and I return to speaking in love and edification ..

I feel the most effective way to reason why some one else is being a certain way that they are not usually ..is to judge ones own heart in brutal honesty .. then having removed the log so to speak ,we can see clearly .. to aid them in love and prayer .

 

[Optimax]

I know someone ike that ..

oh wait -- its ME lol .
oh dang ..

but let me consider .. at times when I find myself becoming like that I begin to self question ..why am I being so negative ..
and personally I find it is inner anger or self judgment of something in my life that is not right with the lord and I transfer that anger at self ..or I manifest that self loathing as judgment of others .
however upon this realization I pray repent ,get right with the lord his joy floods me afresh and I return to speaking in love and edification ..

I feel the most effective way to reason why some one else is being a certain way that they are not usually ..is to judge ones own heart in brutal honesty .. then having removed the log so to speak ,we can see clearly .. to aid them in love and prayer .

Good post!

 

[ByTheSpirit]

I know someone ike that ..

oh wait -- its ME lol .
oh dang ..

but let me consider .. at times when I find myself becoming like that I begin to self question ..why am I being so negative ..
and personally I find it is inner anger or self judgment of something in my life that is not right with the lord and I transfer that anger at self ..or I manifest that self loathing as judgment of others .
however upon this realization I pray repent ,get right with the lord his joy floods me afresh and I return to speaking in love and edification ..

I feel the most effective way to reason why some one else is being a certain way that they are not usually ..is to judge ones own heart in brutal honesty .. then having removed the log so to speak ,we can see clearly .. to aid them in love and prayer .

So if I understand you correctly, the problem isn't with the one who is speaking judgmentally towards others, it's with me?

How in the world is that possible?

 

[ToBeBlessed]

I think that Michael was referring to 'Me' as himself and not you OBG84.

 

[Alithis]

So if I understand you correctly, the problem isn't with the one who is speaking judgmentally towards others, it's with me?

How in the world is that possible?

Yes..me as in me ..lol.

I find we recognize our own errors the most in others.
But to aid them in love we must ,i think,judge our own hearts ,for there we can often find the scource of what ails them and results in their harsh outlook.then we help them from a position of tenderness desiring they be restored to the flow of Gods love through them...

Im rushed,not sure i worded that well

 

[Always in His Presence]

Yes..me as in me ..lol.

I find we recognize our own errors the most in others.
But to aid them in love we must ,i think,judge our own hearts ,for there we can often find the scource of what ails them and results in their harsh outlook.then we help them from a position of tenderness desiring they be restored to the flow of Gods love through them...

Im rushed,not sure i worded that well

Worded well!

 

[ByTheSpirit]

Yes..me as in me ..lol.

I find we recognize our own errors the most in others.
But to aid them in love we must ,i think,judge our own hearts ,for there we can often find the scource of what ails them and results in their harsh outlook.then we help them from a position of tenderness desiring they be restored to the flow of Gods love through them...

Im rushed,not sure i worded that well

I still dont think Im followin you correctly. It still seems you are saying Im judgmental since this is how this particular person is. Hopefully I misunderstand you right now

 

[chapmic]

I think sometimes Christians get overzealous when we learn something new. I know when I read the Bible it would anger me to see blatant sins and I wanted to correct people immediately. After awhile I realized that I can bring sin to people's attention but I must do it in a graceful manner. Its hard for people to realize and learn but it is possible. I would keep talking to your friend about grace. Keep planting the seed and it will grow. God bless!

 

[ToBeBlessed]

I think that people that are judgemental of others people's sin or think/act like they are better are usually putting much confidence in their own good deeds/works. This is a terrible place for a christian to be as it steals all their joy of their own salvation away from them as they focus on others misdeeds. It is also a terrible place for a christian to be because they are outwardly over focused on others and not inwardly focused on their relationship with God. For some I believe it serves as some sort of defense mechanism or something where they feel more 'qualified' by pointing out anothers sin (that they probably do not do themselves) which in a defense mechanism sort of way makes them feel better about themself.

I once overheard some one say that they liked to watch Jerry Springer episodes because it made them feel like they had a 'normal' life when compared with the people on Jerry Springer. I was thinking 'ummm really'? But for some, that focusing on someone else or something else is distraction enough.

Good luck with that situation.

 

[Alithis]

I still dont think Im followin you correctly. It still seems you are saying Im judgmental since this is how this particular person is. Hopefully I misunderstand you right now

nope not at all what i intended..only giving advice on a way to identify with them in what is ailing them causing bitter water to mix with good.

hence- first i recognise how in my own life times iv been (past or present)like that and why.

so i said...

I know someone ike that ..

oh wait -- its ME
oh dang ..

but let me consider .. at times when I find myself becoming like that I begin to self question ..why am I being so negative ..
and personally I find it is inner anger or self judgment of something in my life that is not right with the lord and I transfer that anger at self ..or I manifest that self loathing as judgment of others .
however upon this realization I pray repent ,get right with the lord his joy floods me afresh and I return to speaking in love and edification ..

I feel the most effective way to reason why some one else is being a certain way that they are not usually ..is to judge ones own heart in brutal honesty .. then having removed the log so to speak ,we can see clearly .. to aid them in love and prayer .

and added by saying ,in advice/council..

I find we recognize our own errors the most in others.(as in clearly )
But to aid them in love we must ,i think,judge our own hearts ,for there we can often find the source of what ails them(having experienced its harm and Gods gracious deliverence) and results in their harsh outlook.
then we help them from a position of tenderness desiring they be restored to the flow of Gods love through them...

 

[ByTheSpirit]

Okay, I figured that is where you were going with it .

I was scratching my head trying to figure it out

 

[ToBeBlessed]

So OBG84 have you decided how you are going to handle this situation or are you just going to let it go? Just curious.

 

[lismore]

9 To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’

13 “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’

14 “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Luke 18.