When Jesus exposed the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, He was not just rebuking error; He was also training the disciples how to behave when they became church leaders (1 Peter 5:1-4). Enlarging on His teaching against hypocrisy (in Matthew 6:1-18), Jesus explained that the motivation for their behaviour was pride. They were desperate for people to admire them and used their supposed 'holiness' and public status to foster that hunger for approval. Along with the status went the power to control people.
 
But their 'holiness' was all external. They loved external symbols indicating that they honoured the law (phylacteries were little leather boxes strapped to their arms or foreheads – a literal interpretation of Deuteronomy 6:4-9); extra-long flowing tassels on their shirt or robe to indicate their holy status (even though Numbers 15:39 said that the significance of the tassels was to remind the wearer of their own tendency to sin); and social greetings which honoured the religious leader. All these external things were personality 'power-dressing' by the dominant and demanding religious leaders.
 
Titles are seductive. 'Rabbi' equates to 'doctor' or 'teacher'. However it was not simply used as a description of a person's function but as a statement of unquestionable spiritual authority. Likewise 'Father' or 'Instructor' had become power-words. The Bible is not against using them to indicate ministry function (1 Corinthians 4:15-17) but they must never be used to exalt the minister and control those who are ministered to. Indeed, to do so is blasphemous because that puts the minister in place of God.
 
What is the cure for pride? Repentance, yes; but unless something else replaces the habit of seeking public approval, it will inevitably return. The only antidote for the poison of blasphemous pride is sacrificial service. Instead of working publically for human approval, work in a way which is unseen to others so that God may be pleased (Colossians 3:22). The Jesus-way is that we work hard serving Him and He gets the glory, not us. Indeed the purpose of every Christian life should be that the Lord has all the glory. When we seek applause and public recognition, our hearts are not only proud but also blasphemous. If you truly want to honour the Lord, repent of self-publicity and choose to serve unnoticed.