When Christians become proud of their religion, they reject the heart of the Gospel.

Several years ago, some pastors held a politically charged rally in Safeco Field.

Opposing protestors marched around the stadium banging drums while conservatives signed petitions and registered to vote.

It was a wild clash of ideology, both painful and invigorating.

The event hit an emotional crux when a former Seahawks player-turned-pastor led the 20,000 Christians in a war cry. The roaring sound of yelling and fist-throwing drowned out the drums.

Like a soldier, I felt powerful and united.

The goal of the rally was to stand up for righteousness, but what happened instead was self-righteousness.

As we left, the screaming protestors continued to preach to the young and curse the old. I thought I was better than they were. I was a soldier.

Then God struck me.

A man dressed as a woman stood alone with a sign that read, “Someone loves me too.”

I felt compelled to respond, “Yes, and his name is Jesus.”

The man thanked me with a tear in his eye.

It took a few years for the lesson to sink in. God hates all kinds of unrighteousness that societies have declared as good and normal.

However, Jesus says, “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you”(Luke 6:37-38).

When we have pride in our righteousness, we cannot help but judge the world, but Jesus’ message was of hope, love and humility. Pride is an antonym to the Gospel.

Theologian C.S. Lewis described pride as the source of all sin. From it comes a sense of deserving, selfishness and so forth.

Christians shouldn’t condone unrighteousness, but at the same time it’s wrong to judge the unrighteous, as what righteousness we might have comes from God and not our own discipline.

Self-righteous Christians are like freshmen who brag about their $20,000 cars. You know they’re not making the monthly payments.

When we accept that we can’t earn and will never deserve knowing God, we will stop trying to make up for our selfishness and trust Jesus’ forgiveness.

There is one thing Christians should take pride in.

“Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:31).

Taking pride in the works of God is good. I can say, “Look at what God has done in our time of need” or even, “look what God has done with my character.”

This is the most organic form of worship.

Reach columnist Celeste Flint at opinon@dailyuw.com.