By Travis Lauterbach

There are several widely held misunderstandings concerning biblical, Christian belief.

Christians often are accused of holding to a holier than thou attitude, thinking that they better than everybody else.

This misunderstanding comes about because there’s a certain level of truth to it.

There are some who believe with all their heart that they are holier than thou. They’re not.

Pushing things further, there are times when all Christians think that they are holier than thou. They’re not.

Going even further still, there are times when all people think they are holier than thou. They’re not.

It’s sinful to think that one is better than everybody else, for “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

So while this misunderstanding exists because there’s some truth to it, having a holier than thou attitude is not biblical. It isn’t taught by Jesus.

To the contrary Scripture teaches against it.

“If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8).

One of the primary reasons for gathering together for worship is because all people are sinners.

Christians gather to admit their sins and sinfulness (including having a holier than thou attitude).

Doing so isn’t simply a time for self-deprecation. In confessing sins, Christians trust that through Jesus’ death on the cross and resurrection from the dead there is forgiveness of sins; there is healing.

This is what Jesus desires.

One day, Jesus upset some people by eating with “tax collectors and sinners.” His simple response speaks directly against a holier than thou attitude.

“Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance” (Luke 5:30-32).

God doesn’t rejoice when anyone believes they are better than others.

When the prodigal child repents of sinful ways and comes home, God rejoices and prepares a feast. With Him there is forgiveness.

Travis Lauterbach is the pastor of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church located in the Falcon Ridge Business Park in Mesquite, NV.