Pharisees

(For the context, read Matthew 23)
The reasons why Jesus condemned the Pharisees:
They won't enter the kingdom, or let anyone else do so.  Thus, they are responsible not only for their own souls but also the souls of those they barred.
They make their disciples twice as bad as themselves.
They have a false vision as to the importance and true symbolic significance of ceremonial practices.
They forget what the law is all about, following the letter but not the spirit, completely ignoring justice, mercy and faithfulness.
They care about how they appear to others, but not how they appear to God.
They pretend to be self-righteous, claiming that they would not repeat their forefathers mistakes.
Now the question becomes, do you do any of these things?
Do you block others from seeing the truth by your actions, attitudes, or words?
Do you prioritize the gift over the Giver, using your talents for yourself, and not for God?
Do you expect perfection from others while only doing so little as you can yourself to get by?
Do you follow the rules your parents set down for you, but still do what you know would displease them, even if they haven't specifically forbidden it?
Do you always want justice imposed on others while always seeking mercy for yourself?
Do you act one way around one set of people and a totally different way around another set?
Do you strive in what you do to please other people, whether teachers, bosses or friends, or do you seek to please God?
Do you listen to your parents' advice about places in the past where they made mistakes, or do you foolishly believe that you are better than they are, and would never do such things?
In short, are you a Pharisee?  I know that I have done some of these things which are so detestable in the eyes of God.  If you recognize any of these things in yourself, ask forgiveness of those you have offended, both people and God.  And, with God's help, resolve to root out your Pharisaical tendencies and live with humility.