Hypocrisy

The Bible says that Christians are to conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. The word "christian" itself is defined as one who is Christ-like. This paper takes a look at those who proclaim Jesus Christ as their Savior and do not strive to become like Him. It also shows how we can live a life that is not contrary to the Word of God!

Hypocrisy is pretending to have qualities or beliefs that you do not really have. The Bible defines a hypocrite as anyone who proclaims to be Christ-like and does not live according to His Word.

Two such instances are written below:

1 Timothy 4:1-3 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;  Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

Matthew 23:11-15 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself be abased; and he that shall humble himself be exalted. But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the Kingdom of heaven against men; for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, Hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye campass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.

In these two passages a common theme is found. Hypocrites do things to bring attention and praise to themselves.

In Philippians 1:15-17 it says:

It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.

The Bible makes it clear that there are those who claim to follow the will of God who do not truly serve Him. 1 John 1:6 If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth.

God gave us a perfect example, His son Jesus, to help us understand how a Christian is suppose to live out his life.

Jesus is forgiving and loving. He dedicated His life here on Earth to serving His Father and being a living example for others to follow. Likewise, true Christians serve God and are living examples for others.

When Christians strive to be like Christ, Christians truly serve the Lord by doing His will.

This does not mean that Christains do not make mistakes, and sin. The Bible says in 1 John 1:8-10 that no one is without sin.

1 John 1:8-10 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.

On the outside, these two types of people can look the same. In fact, many times Christians who are living in sin are mistakenly called hyporcites. The difference between a hypocrite claiming to be a Christian and a Christian living in sin can be found in his heart. A Christian has given his life over to God and is dedicated to a life of serving Him, while a hypocrite's life serves himself.

Only God and the individual can know which type of person he is. This is one of the reasons why there is so much danger in a Christian not truly serving God to his fullest. When a Christian is viewed as a hypocrite, the Christian becomes a false witness of God, and hinders others from knowing the true walk of a Christian.

So, how does a Christian know whether he or she is living for God?

1. Do not judge others and condemn them for the same things that you are invovled in.

Matthew 7:1-5 "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, `Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.

Romans 14:13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.

2. Do not break God's commandments and cause others to do the same.

Matthew 5:18-19 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

3. Do not go back on your word.

Matthew 5:37 Simply let your `Yes' be `Yes,' and your `No,' `No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.

4. Love your enemies.

Matthes 5:43-48 "You have heard that it was said, `Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

5. Love God and your neighbors.

Matthew 22:37-39 Jesus replied: "`Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: `Love your neighbor as yourself.'

6. Pray to God and ask Him to guild you. He will help you to live in His will.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing.