Christian Living

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I recall hearing a sermon a few years back and how the messenger referred to a group as "hypocrites". I remember it well because I felt a little offended each time he yelled, "Hypocrite!" The message caused a considerable amount of thought (as a message should). After searching myself I found the Word not to be "offensive" but convicting. There were times in my life when I was in fact, a hypocrite.

A hypocrite is simply one who puts on a mask and feigns himself to be what he is not. Today, if a man or woman of God preaches a sermon, calling churchgoers anything close to a hypocrite, he or she would run the risk of being stoned. In our "holified" congregations, we often do not want to accept the truth about ourselves. Many of us would rather hear about our prosperity, healing, miracles or how everyone else has lied on us!
I have witnessed "member swapping" frequently among congregations only because certain members heard a message, which caused their heart to be convicted. Although, the Word of the Lord is always good for you, it can sometimes be tough to receive.

We are quick to tell others how much we "love" God. We are prompt to identify with other believers and we are forceful when it comes to defending our respective doctrines in a safe setting. Yet, are we who the Lord spoke of when he mentioned that ugly word, hypocrite?

Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. Matthew 6:2

"And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward" Matthew 6:5

"He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me." Mark 7:6

Those whom the Lord rebuked so were found acting in a way that contradicts what they should be about. The thoughts, words or actions of the individuals simply didn't line up. Often those whom the Lord called hypocrites were Pharisee and scribes who knew the law. They of all people should have understood the consequence of their actions. They certainly weren't ignorant of the scriptures.Nevertheless, they failed to live constantly according to what they claimed to know.

I often wonder if we are at times like the examples provided in the scriptures? While there is a lot to be said regarding the inability or refusal to live the gospel which we preach, this goes far beyond the mere "showboat" prayers and hidden sins described in the Bible. It reaches into how we manage our relationship with the Lord.

We sometimes criticize men and women called to ministry. We examine those who are in front of the crowd to find flaws and offer commentary of their every move. We fault others for our lack of spiritual growth and accuse them for our ignorance. However, we rarely take the time to pursue the things of the Lord in our own lives. "Why sure I am a Christian", we say but we fail to do the work required of a Christian. How can we walk in holiness if we aren't prayerful? How can we skillfully win souls if we don't know the Word? How can we walk in victory if we don't know who we are in Christ? How can we show obedience to the Father if we don't know His will? How can we say we love God and fail to keep His commandments?

I dare not call anyone a hypocrite. I couldn't do so without first applying the term to myself on many occasion. I'd rather that each of us would search our own heart with the help of the Holy Spirit for the answer. No matter what your searching uncovers, the good news is once we recognize the problem we can hear God for the solution.



 
 

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