Matthew 23:1-12

We begin a new section of Jesus’ last sermon often called the Judgment Discourse. It contains language a bit harsher especially against the Pharisees and begins with specific warnings for these religious leaders who were showing off their religion but not following through. “Everything they do, they do to be noticed by others.” (Mt 23:5)

We see the same today, not just in religious leaders, but by all kinds of “faithful” people whose outward personas simply doesn’t reflect what is really going on with their lives.  

It can happen in us, too, if we aren’t careful.

Many years ago I received my first travel mug. (I was just getting into my coffee phase which is still going strong!) It was stainless steel with a black graphic and one word, “Integrity.” That word has always meant something important to me. Maybe it was the teaching I received from home, respected family members, Sunday School teachers, and Youth leaders, and what I have passed on throughout my ministry, “remember who you are and who you represent.”

Many Pharisees were much more concerned for how they appeared; how important.

Maybe Jesus was reminding them (and us) of the proverb, “Pride comes before disaster, and arrogance before a fall...” (Proverbs 16:18, CEB)

…that what others think of us doesn’t matter at all in the end anyway.  What he is asking of us is to take the least important place, to make ourselves low, to be humble in our faith.

That mug is long gone after the graphic simply faded away over time, yet the reminder remains with me every day. Integrity is when the outside matches the inside; when the condition of the soul is reflected in daily living. I strive every day to live with integrity; that my faith inside is shown on the outside…humbly. -- Chris