The religious do not want to be seen with sinners; the saints are happy to be seen with them. The religious think that they will be contaminated by being with sinners; the saints infect the sinners with a hunger for righteousness and holiness. The religious are concerned with their reputation; saints are concerned with their character. The religious are concerned with appearances; the righteous care about substance. The religious want the approval of men, saints want only the approval of God.
“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 6:1 (ESV)
