Being a Pharisee

I’ve been thinking alot lately, and let me be totally honest.  I AM a Pharisee.  I have a tendency to be more concerned with peoples outward behaviors and appearance than I am with their spiritual needs.  As I was reading in the scriptures in Matthew 23:1-36, I felt as if Christ was addressing me directly.  I am a very cynical person; self absorbed in my own interest and problems. BUT, I don’t want to remain this way. I want to be a Christ-follower who is full of love, mercy, grace and forgiveness towards all people, just as Christ has shown it to me and to the world.  I am not perfect and never will be, but with the help of the Holy Spirit I can become more Christ-like.