Religious Pride

Numbers 15: 37-41

“37 The Lord said to Moses, 38 “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘Throughout the generations to come you are to make tassels on the corners of your garments, with a blue cord on each tassel. 39 You will have these tassels to look at and so you will remember all the commands of the Lord, that you may obey them and not prostitute yourselves by chasing after the lusts of your own hearts and eyes. 40 Then you will remember to obey all my commands and will be consecrated to your God. 41 I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt to be your God. I am the Lord your God.”

All Pharisees wore tassels on their garments to remind them of their obligations under the law.

Even Jesus wore tassels on his garments.  The hemorrhaging woman reached out and touched them and was healed (Matthew 9: 20-22), yet Jesus criticized the Pharisees for wearing their tassels in a prideful manner, and making a show of them (Matthew 23:5). 

The things that we do to remember, praise, and serve God should be done sincerely, reverently, without show and without worldly pride.  

May the love of Christ be with you,

Rev. Eric Lanier (Retired)