How to be a Classy Christian
To be classy in our day connotes being set apart or to be of a certain standard and there are many variations of what that might look like. When one thinks of being “classy” one tends to think about the way one carries oneself, the way one is presented publicly, their speech, dress, demeanor. I’m sure right now the word conjures images of a cultured, straight backed, expensively clad woman clutching her pearls in horror at the waning decorum around her. You’re probably thinking tuxedos, black tie parties, limousines, crystal glasses and navigating place settings. I’ll tell you what’s not coming to your mind; Jesus facing off with the Pharisees and Scribes. Yet this is where our discourse on being a “Classy Christian” begins. With Jesus’ famous sermon on the mount.
Matthew 5:20 says “For I tell you unless your righteousness surpasses (or outclasses) that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.”
This was a heavy and potentially confrontational statement for Jesus to make at the time when he made it. Yet he did. See at that time, the Scribes and Pharisees were in a class of their own, they were perceived as of a higher class than the common people. And Jesus was talking to common people, all kinds of people from all walks of life. Yet here he was telling them, that their righteousness must be greater than that of these high class persons. That his expectations for them is to be at a classier level than that of these two groups in order to enter the kingdom of heaven. These were elite groups, who carried themselves as separate and apart from the common man, they perceived themselves as superior and had the historical receipts to prove it. Yet Jesus was not impressed with them from the start. Instead he called them out on their lack of class, he warned his followers to not be deceived by them. And here his sermon points out very clearly that they’ve got to surpass the righteousness of those they considered superior.
R.T Kendall in his book ‘Sermon on the Mount’ shows us how. So I’m going to share with you what makes a classy Christian. How can you and I surpass the righteousness of the proudly pious, as demonstrated by the scribes and Pharisees of that time.
- Through imputed righteousness: When we transfer our trust from our good works to trusting in what Jesus did for us, Jesus’ righteousness is ascribed to us (Rom 4:5). Of course this is only the beginning but it’s a good place to start. This is quite different to how righteousness would have been portrayed by this class of people, who were big on their works as marks of their righteousness.
- Through implanted righteousness: when the Holy Spirit imparts the word into our hearts (James 1:21). The Pharisees rejected Jesus and so rejected his promised Holy Spirit. Instead they continued to trust in their knowledge of the law. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would come to those who followed him, guiding them into all truth. The Pharisees and Scribes and those of like mind, pride themselves on their own knowledge and intellect. The classy Christian acknowledges and walks by the Spirit of God.
- Through internal righteousness: The Pharisees were more concerned about how they looked on the outside than they did on the inside. The kingdom message Jesus preached was one that emphasized inner righteousness, which was not just hinged on what you did, but who you were internally. Instead of being content with not murdering someone and thus breaking the law, the classy Christian doesn’t harbor hate in his heart (Matt 5:21). The classy Christian is concerned about his character, his heart posture, who he is on the inside.
- Through an integrated righteousness: the classy Christian is marked by a whole life transformation. Our whole life, must be affected, more so, changed. That is your private and public life, your life before people and before God, your body, mind and spirit must reflect him. The classy Christian doesn’t just play the part in certain settings, but every area of her life is influenced by Christ.
The class the Scribes and Pharisees were a part of was marked by external effort to appear a certain way. To surpass that we must not just act and look a part but we must be.
According to Kendall, glorifying God and surpassing the Pharisees looks like:
- Seeking honor that comes from God and not people
- Forgiving those who have hurt you and loving your enemies
- Being lied about but holding no grudges
- Seeking God’s face without telling the world that you are
- Giving in secret
- Loving the truth
It doesn’t seem to me that being a high class Christian requires a whole lot of equipment. No ring lights, no wardrobe budget, no cameras, no video editing app, or social media page. None of which I am directly condemning so don’t get me wrong here. Rather it’s about who you are when no one is watching, when you’re going through your worse days, when the lighting is poor and there’s no applause. See how we’re reading our bibles and praying in our quiet places, see how we’re caring for others without an announcement, see how we’re releasing those who hurt us and resisting the urge to “buss files” and shame our frenemies? Very none Pharisee like, very unscribey, very classy, very Jesus.
Be a blessing
Kelly PW
(Hope you found value in my reflection on this chapter from the book ‘Sermon on the Mount’ by R.T Kendall. It’s on my recommendations list for sure)
Kelly is the founder of Royalty Press United. Author of the Gemstone Royals fantasy series, Twist of Faith and Crossroads. Counseling psychologist, proud Grenadian and devoted follower of Christ.
