Jesus doesn’t mince words. Standing in the temple courts, surrounded by people who held power, prestige, and spiritual authority, He issues a clear and cutting warning: “Beware of the scribes.” Not because they were bad at their jobs. Not because they got the theology wrong. But because their motives were corrupt.
They wanted to be seen. They craved the front rows, the greetings, the admiration. Their prayers weren’t communion with God. They were performances. Their long robes weren’t symbols of holiness. They were props.
And Jesus saw right through it.
It always comes back to the same question, doesn’t it? What is their WHY? What is my WHY?
In a world where visibility equals value, where praise can become addictive, and where spiritual authority can mask personal ambition, I have to ask myself—am I leading with integrity or projecting a version of myself that looks holy but hungers for validation?
It’s not wrong to be seen. It’s not wrong to be honored. But when the need to be seen becomes the reason we show up, we’ve already lost.
I’ve worked alongside denominational leaders and spiritual influencers. I’ve seen what happens when influence replaces intimacy with God. Some of the most visible “spiritual leaders” I’ve encountered have been some of the most hollow and broken behind the scenes. That’s not bitterness talking. It’s experience. And it’s a warning.
Because I’m not immune. None of us are.
I lead a family. I lead people. I represent Christ. And that means I carry a weight — a mantle — not to be used but to be honored. So I wrestle. I reflect. I ask the hard questions. Have I ever used my voice to push forward something that benefited me more than others? Have I mistaken applause for anointing or God’s direction?
Sometimes, the answer is uncomfortable.
Jesus didn’t just call out those leaders to expose them. He called them out to protect the people from their influence. We have to remember that.
Our leadership matters.
Our motives matter.
The people we lead are watching.
And God is watching even closer.
I don’t want to lead with a false face. Not in front of others. Not in front of God. Especially not in the moments that are hard like when I’m tired, when I doubt and when I wonder if I really have what it takes.
This is the ruthless truth: God doesn’t need my performance. He wants my surrender.
That’s all.
Real leadership doesn’t perform. It perseveres.
In truth.
In humility.
In reverence.
Mark 12:38-40
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