Double standards and virtue signaling, nothing new under the sun. Same thing happens with faith and charity. I think that's a worse situation because the fallback justification for all sorts of mischief and bad attitudes and jockeying for position is typically, "We're *sinners* under grace, not the law!"
In any case, who am I. Just somebody hobbling along not wanting to mess up, but still.
It boils down to the 'torah' of Bill and Ted: "Be excellent to each other."
God's standard of perfection is whole-heartedness, sincerity, selflessness, and just plain being honest and decent and respectful and kind to others.
Matthew 5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
These were the folks who were looking under every rock and in every nook and cranny for any flaw, reasoning amongst themselves and drawing wrong conclusions about Jesus based on their expert religious knowledge and 'truth' according to consensus. They also tried to approach him with flatteries, as if he (like they) had an ego to stroke and bribe.
Meaning... the bar for exceeding the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees was pretty low, but going by what's commonly taught out there, nobody can possibly overtop it. *That's* how corrupted the established teachings are.
6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
The higher law of the Messiah is right here on the ground (in the heart).
13 For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.
6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
The higher law of the Messiah is right here on the ground (in the heart).
Amen. As God’s Word teaches us, without Christ, there’s that Satanic pride, and it only gets worse and worse with time.