Do You Know A Hypocrite?
Jesus is clear. Jesus hates hypocrites. Jesus calls it out all the time. My contempt allows me to ignore its reality in my life. I must change my mind (aka repent). This is imperative!
Hypocrisy is an outward pretense masking an inner reality. Jesus condemns hypocrisy, especially in matters of faith. Followers of Jesus are to express our commitment to God in our words and our deeds, as well as in our inner motivation. There should always be alignment of the heart, the mind and my actions.
Knowing that, why do I pretend?
The Greek word is ὑÀοκÃÃŽ¹Ã”žÃŽ®Ã”š (hupÃ…kritÄ“s, hoop-ok-ree-tace) meaning an actor under an assumed character (stage-player). Many times, I am acting. I know it. Jesus knows it. I am guessing others know it as well.
My nature, along with all of us, is one that is fallen and I constantly miss God’s goal (aka sin). I try to cover that up by appearing to be a good person. I am not. You are not. We are not.
“For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness.” Mark 7:21–22 (NASB)
Jeremiah 17:9 (NASB) — The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick. Who can understand it?
Hosea 10:2 (NASB) — Their heart is faithless. Now they must bear their guilt. The Lord will break down their altars and destroy their sacred pillars.
There is good news!
Jesus has redeemed me and freed me from my deceitful heart. I am a new creation, pure and holy.
Hebrews 10:22 (NASB) — Let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
James 3:17 (NASB) — But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.
