Have you ever heard someone call Christians hypocrites? Have you ever had someone decline an invitation to church because they didn’t see the point? Especially in our society, Christians are often considered hypocrites by the people they were called to influence.
You then who teach others, do you not teach yourself? While you preach against stealing, do you steal? 22 You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? 23 You who boast in the law dishonor God by breaking the law. 24 For, as it is written, “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”
Romans 2:21-24
Paul’s writing to the Jews in Rome is most appropriate for today’s Church. These Jews were very religious people who thought very highly of themselves spiritually. Sadly, their religion mainly consisted of outward action, not inward. Sound familiar?
Hebrews 4:12 tells us that God’s Word is sharper than a two-edged sword. With it, God doesn’t just see our outward actions but discerns the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Oh yeah… it also says that nobody is hidden from His sight.
The world calls us hypocrites because we are hypocrites. We can not claim to walk in the light and continue walking in darkness (1 John 1:6). Even the most amicable outward actions don’t cover up wickedness within. We may think it’s well covered, but it shows. God sees it. Most of the time, the people around us see it too.
Do you need to confess some sin today? When we confess, He is faithful and just to forgive our sin (1 John 1:9). Realign your heart with our Heavenly Father today. Walk in the Light. Stop being a hypocrite.