Bishop Frank White on Self-Righteousness and the Call to Humility During Lent
Bishop Frank Anthone White, pastor of Zion Cathedral Church of God in Christ in Freeport, Novel York and Prelate of the Third Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, Eastern New York, recently addressed the dangers of self-righteousness, particularly as believers enter the Lenten season. His reflections emphasize humility, dependence on divine mercy, and a return to a foundational connection with God.
Understanding Self-Righteousness
Bishop White defined self-righteousness as “the prideful attitude of trusting in one’s own merits, virtues, or good works.” He cautioned that while personal values and principles are important, they can lead to unfair judgment of others and a sense of superiority. This, he explained, can ultimately hinder a deeper relationship with God.
“The result is that we disregard, or worse, reject the righteousness that comes from God through grace and our faith in Christ,” Bishop White stated. He highlighted that self-righteousness opposes humility and reliance on God’s mercy, often manifesting as complacency or a belief that one does not require divine intervention.
Scriptural Reflection and the Season of Lent
Drawing from the Gospel of Matthew, Bishop White referenced the warning that those whose virtue does not surpass that of the scribes and Pharisees will not enter the kingdom of heaven. This underscores the need for continuous spiritual growth and a willingness to examine one’s own heart.
He emphasized that Lent is a specific time for intentional spiritual deepening, striving to become more Christ-like, and opening oneself to the “fullness of Christ.” He deliberately used the word “fullness,” connecting it to scripture which states that believers receive “grace upon grace” from His fullness and that “Christ is everything.”
Returning to “Factory Settings”
Bishop White further explained that “fullness, completeness, and wholeness are other words for integrity.” He described Lent as a time to return to one’s “factory settings”—a state of being created in the image and likeness of God, and in the fullness of God.
About Bishop Frank Anthone White
Bishop Frank Anthone White is a third-generation Church of God in Christ servant. He serves as Pastor of Zion Cathedral Church of God in Christ in Freeport, NY, and as Prelate of the Third Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, Eastern New York. He is also a General Board Member of the Church of God in Christ and former Financial Secretary of the denomination . Beyond his ecclesiastical duties, Bishop White has a background in music production and finance, having worked on Wall Street. He co-spearheaded Zion’s congregational growth and the development of over 25 ministries focused on entrepreneurship, families, and community outreach. He is also the Founder & President of MusicQuest Records.
Bishop White was recently featured in a Facebook post from Zion Cathedral and a video shared on Facebook .
Zion Cathedral also streams services and provides information on giving through various channels, including text and Cash App .