The plight of a hypocrite

In most cultures the word, hypocrite, describes someone as bad.

"Look at them. Such hypocrites."

"Why can't you admit that they're just a bunch of hypocrites?"

"I don't attend church because they're all hypocrites, especially pastors!"

Even the Lord Jesus Christ didn't hold back on hypocrites.

He said that He only spoke what God the Father wanted Him to say. John 12:48-50

So, we have both the Father and the Son condemning hypocrites.

Jesus said,

"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, [experts in the Law of Moses and a Jewish sect of their religion] you hypocrites!

You shut the kingdom of heaven in men's faces.

You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let in those who wish to enter." Matthew 23:13

Someone might say,

"I thought the Bible says that God is love. 1 John 4:8 Where's the love in those harsh words?"

Very TOUGH love?

Jesus continued,

"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites!

You traverse [travel] land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are." Matthew 23:15

In the language of the New Testament, the word, hypocrite, literally means, actor.

It's not easy to be a good actor on stage or screen.

One has to memorize lines and deliver them in that character in ways that people will believe temporarily that they are that person.

Similarly, religious or spiritual hypocrites, if they want to convince others, have to practice or need help from Satan. 2 Corinthians 11:15

For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ.

And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. 2 Corinthians 11:13-14

They may quote the Bible but don't do it themselves. Matthew 23:2-3

They put religious or spiritual burdens on others but won't lift one finger to do them. Matthew 23:4

They're whitewashed graves. Matthew 23:27

For a show they say long prayers because they're ACTING. Mark 12:40

The name of God is blasphemed among non-believers by their conduct. Romans 2:24

They have a form of godliness but deny its power. 2 Timothy 3:5

They profess that they know God but in works they deny Him. Titus 1:16

False teachers, many of whom are acting, are condemned by Peter and Jude. 2 Peter 2:1-3, 12-14; Jude vs.4, 8, 12-13

OUR HYPOCRITICAL TENDENCIES

Are we real believers?

"Yes, I hope I am."

How can we be sure?

Should we check all of the "boxes" to prove that we're sons or daughters of the Lord Almighty? 2 Corinthians 6:14-18

Here are some common boxes --

God is our Father. Matthew 6:9; Ephesians 1:2

Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior, God with us. Matthew 1:22-23; Colossians 2:9; 2 Peter 1:1-2

The Holy Spirit lives in us. 1 Corinthians 6:19

Through personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, we've been born again, born from above, born of God, made a new creation, and His righteousness. John 1:12-13; 3:3-7; Romans 5:1; 2 Corinthians 5:17, 21; 1 Peter 1:3, 23; 1 John 5:1

We've turned from our sins. Matthew 4:17; Luke 24:46-47; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17:30; 26:20; Hebrews 6:1

We've believed with our hearts in Jesus. John 3:16-17; 6:29; 11:25; Romans 3:21-26; 10:8-10

We walk in the light as He is in the light. John 12:36; Galatians 5:16; Ephesians 5:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:5; 1 John 1:7

We read and study the Bible, and do what it says. Matthew 7:24-25; Luke 4:4, 8, 12, 16-19; 24:25-27, 44-45; John 5:39; Acts 17:11; Romans 15:4; 1 Corinthians 10:11; Colossians 4:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:27; 1 Timothy 4:13; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16-17; 4:13; James 1:22; Revelation 1:3

We pray. Luke 18:1; Ephesians 6:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; 1 Timothy 2:1-2; Jude v.20

We gather with other believers. Acts 4:31; 12:12; 14:27; 15:30; 1 Corinthians 14:26; 16:19; Colossians 4:15; Hebrews 10:24-25; Philemon v.2

You get the idea.

However, each of us can still have the plight, the dilemma, the problem of being a hypocrite, an ACTOR, when faced with choices.

How much of our spirituality or religious activity is fake?

How much do we pretend that we're interested, involved, and care about what's going on?

"I know the Lord understands my heart. I'm just not into this right now."

Yes, He is greater than our hearts and knows all things about us. Luke 12:6-7; Hebrews 4:13; 1 John 3:18-20

Then WHY pretend?

There's a better way.

TAKE THE MASK OFF

To some believers, church meeting attendance is PROOF that they're real Christians.

Whether it's once a week, a month, on Christmas and Easter, several times each week, or DAILY, if they are there when the doors open, that's evidence for all to see.

Don't we have to be careful that we're not just showing up?

Our bodies are there but are our minds and hearts SOMEWHERE ELSE?

We don't want Jesus to say about us,

"All their deeds are done to be seen by people." Matthew 23:5

Neither do we want Jesus to say if we're also giving, praying, or fasting to be seen by others, Matthew 6:1-2, 5, 16

"They already have their full reward." Matthew 6:2, 5, 16

Nor do we want Jesus to say about our hypocritical tendency,

"These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me." Matthew 15:8

How can we be real?

How can an ACTOR'S MASK be removed?

Maybe a direct word of rebuke, then an encouraging word, then another rebuke, then another comforting word, would help.

A slap, then a hug, another slap, then a big hug: it's all there in the Scriptures, if we look.

For example, James gets right up into our faces, sees the masks and sins, and writes,

You adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God?

Therefore, whoever chooses to be a friend of the world renders himself an enemy of God. James 4:4

That's quite a rebuke.

But He gives us more grace.

This is why it says: "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble." James 4:6

That's a nice word of encouragement, isn't it?

But here comes ROUND 2 --

Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

Grieve, mourn, and weep. Turn your laughter to mourning, and your joy to gloom. James 4:8-9

Another slap that we sometimes need to crack the FAKER'S MASK off of us.

Sounds like we need a big John 3:16-17 LOVE HUG now.

James continues,

Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. James 4:8

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you. James 4:10

His love can melt the cracked ACTOR'S MASK. Romans 5:5

Then we can experience this --

And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into His image with intensifying glory, which comes from the Lord, Who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18

If we WANT this, maybe we could pray as David did --

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.

Cast me not away from Your presence; take not Your Holy Spirit from me.

Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and sustain me with a willing spirit. Psalm 51:10-12

Your thoughts?

R. Jason