Hypocrisy

To start off let me first ask, What is a hypocrite? I wanted a clear and precise look at the word to express where todays word will go, so I looked it up in the dictionary:

Hypocrite: a person who pretends to have virtues, moral or religious beliefs, principles, etc., that he or she does not actually possess. Hypocrisy : a pretense of having a virtuous character, moral or religious beliefs or principles, etc., that one does not really possess,
The practice of professing beliefs, feelings, or virtues that one does not hold or possess; falseness, An act or instance of such falseness.

Biblical Ref & Definition:
(one who puts on a mask and feigns himself to be what he is not; a dissembler in religion. Our Lord severely rebuked the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy (Matt. 6:2, 5, 16). "The hypocrite's hope shall perish" (Job 8:13). The Hebrew word here rendered "hypocrite" rather means the "godless" or "profane," as it is rendered in Jer. 23:11, i.e., polluted with crimes.)

Today's focus is I feel a call to check our self and our walk with Christ. I encourage each of us to take a moment and search our self through allowing our Heavenly Father to sift through our soul and remove any uncleansing within. Today so many in their relationship with Christ struggle with Hypocrisy. Many dont even realize that it is there.

For the most part they don't recognize, assoicate or want to associate things like, a little fib here or there, Gossip and bad mouth anothers moral or beliefs, to being a Hypocrite. Another way of looking at a hypocrite is a common saying we hear alot today, "Two Faced."

The last thing in the world that needs to be in the church is a HYPOCRITICAL Christian. What kind of a message does a hypocritical christian send to a non christian? Think about that for a moment. What message are we sending to those we are witnessing to if we are hypocritical of everything? That is a really scary thought and a sad one at that. In being a hypocrite, how are we saving the lost children God is sending us to? Again I note our life should be a mirror reflection of Christ. We should not just talk the walk, but live the walk and walk the walk! Sadly, many christians live to talk the walk rather then walk or live the walk.

What things make a hypocrite? Are you aware of what things can make a hypocrite? Again, many are aware of what a hypocrite is, but aware of things that make the hypocrite they usually are blind to.

Really anything can seem hypocritical if we are not careful, especially as christians. But I will note a few things on being a hypocrite. Most common hypocrites are usually those that are arrogant, selfish, self-centered, those believing they are smarter, more creative and completely superior to humanity as a whole. These common hypocrites are usually boasting about their honesty and if caught in a lie or a fib they usually have the most amazing imaginative story or excuse as to why they fibbed. They also believe it is acceptable in certain circumstances for their fib. (Wrong no circumstance is just for any fib or white lie, a lie period is a lie and IS a Sin). Common hypocrites usually are quick to point the finger, usally never accept responsibility for any wrong doing, mistake, error or mishap. Likely many can be loud or noisy. What I mean by this is they can be very loud with their talk or eager to express how profoundly perfect they are, when indeed we know that no one is perfect. Some often have an intent to decieve in an effort to present themselves in the best possible light. Their motivation is to look good at any cost. Now that is not to say that everyone that is hypocritical is deliberately doing so. Many dont realize they have done so until the damage has already been done and the mistake needs forgiven.

In the church, counseling especially in todays churchs, is a BIG thing. Really, alot of counselors, in their defense, they are really good counselors and called by God. But many counselors are not called and are simply there for the dirt and gossip of the church family. There are some who absolutely thrive on Gossip. I have seen it alot and heard it as well. God love em, the little ol ladies, how they love to share the stories. Sadly their are the other ones in the church that also just love boasting about how so and so did this last night or did that and O I cant believe it.... And so on and so on... I have seen alot of this everywhere.. It really is actually humorous to see people thrive off of this kind of a lifestyle. Wow.

I wont deny it, In my old church growing up and even back when I regave my life over, I was around these types of people and I really didnt know any better. Heck some of these were a part of my family. I was still trying to distinguish right and wrong by God and lead by his examples not mans. So when I pulled away from those I was around, in a sense their was some rejection from them there after, because I finally saw the light and heard Gods voice telling me it was wrong. If your around someone who prys you for information or just keeps asking questions to get your answers, STOP, Dont give any more answers. Your red light should be flashing On and Off. Truthfully, our secrets or circumstances should not be shared with anyone aside of Christ, thus preventing the Gossip from ever starting. I learned that one the hard way. If it is someone you absolutely know and trust their may be the exception, BUT, I say this with a big BUT, really our circumstances should be between ourself and Christ and stay within the circle of those it pertains to and those that may be involved and none other.

Christ is our father, our lover, our best friend and he looks out for our best interest. What is best for us. So today, I want to encourage and challenge each of us to search ourselves through and remove anything unclean and not of the Lord. If you are around those that are the common hypocrite I encourage you to be strong and lead by the fathers example and shine Christs light in those that are in the darkeness. Love with Christs love not mans. Dont say I love you, Show that you mean it!

A thought we all have heard, "Actions speak louder then words!" How true this very saying is!

God bless you my friends!