Ever been accused of being a hypocrite? Ever accused someone of being a hypocrite?
Dictionary.com defines hypocrite as “a person who pretends to have virtues, moral or religious beliefs, principles, etc. that he or she does not actually possess, especially a person whose action belie stated beliefs.”
This provides a starting point to explore real and imagined hypocrites.
Real
Jeremiah 5:2 helps set the stage in a scathing stretch of Scripture focusing on God’s wayward people: “And although they say, ‘As the LORD lives,’ Surely they swear falsely.” Just this phrase causes me to stop and ponder my relationship with God. Do I, as the phrase indicates, profess God with my mouth, but not in a manner that accepts ALL that goes along with that profession? Do I swear falsely? In others words, as a professing Christian do I “walk the walk” in my everyday life?
Okay, no one is perfect, I get that. So maybe a better way to check myself is this: Do I strive, to the best of my ability (while walking hand in hand with Jesus) to live in a way obedient to God and His Word? And, am I familiar enough WITH the Word to KNOW what living it looks like?
Christians are often slapped with the hypocrite label. For some, it’s a fair assessment. Back in Jesus’ time, He called religious hypocrites whitewashed tombs: “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean,” (Matthew 23:27 NIV). So, you see, it IS possible for those who call themselves God’s children to be hypocrites. It happened in Jesus’ day, and it happens today.
However, hypocrites are not always easy to spot. God recognizes them because He knows the hearts of all men. On the other hand, man isn’t so good at calling it, but there are a couple of tools we can employ that can provide valuable insights:
- What fruit does a person produce? A real hypocrite talks a great talk, but has a shabby walk. Egocentric instead of humble. Greedy instead of giving. Full of strife instead of peace. Mean instead of compassionate. Smile on the outside, scowling heart deep inside.
- Does the person honor God’s Word? No one lives a perfect life, but does the life honor God’s Word or does it rebel against the foundation He has laid? Is Truth of the utmost importance? Is the world’s agenda promoted or are the standard which God set honored?
Perhaps the best use of questions above would be to apply them to ourselves as a tool to reveal any hidden streaks of real hypocrisy within own hearts.
Imagined
It’s been my experience and observation that “imagined” hypocrisy originates from a place of no understanding or limited knowledge. That certainly is true when it comes to Christianity. Believers are often slapped with the unflattering and imagined label of hypocrite. Let’s take a closer look.
Many people see Christianity as a religion of love. Indeed, love is the cornerstone. However, the concept that it is all about “kum-ba-ya” love is a dangerous springboard that causes many people to jump into the waters of confusion. Jesus’ love, while wonderful, isn’t just an emotion tossed up into the air to shower people with the “feel-so-goods”. It goes much deeper.
True love carries with it the understanding and knowledge of a God who is holy, righteous, and just. These concepts are a huge part of Christianity that often baffles those on the outside looking in. To know God is to understand His character. That’s where the definition of hypocrisy gets twisted when aimed toward believers.
When Christians live within the boundaries of God’s foundation regarding social issues (marriage between a man and a woman, the sanctity of life, etc.) we are labeled hypocrites, intolerant, and haters. When we follow a personal standard of “no sex before marriage”, honoring truth, extending kindness, limiting our entertainment choices to family-friendly, we are often ridiculed and dubbed “goodie two shoes”.
The world embraces the concepts of love. And, as an extension of love, they easily accept mercy and grace. But, what they fail to realize is that mercy is not needed unless there is the concept of justice. Grace is not necessary where there is no sin. And, the existence of love is why a holy and just God sent Jesus to bridge the gap between mankind and deity.
The reality is that WHEN believers live within stated divine boundaries, we ARE following the God we profess. Let’s take another look at the definition of hypocrite:
“a person who pretends to have virtues, moral or religious beliefs, principles, etc. that he or she does not actually possess, especially a person whose action belie stated beliefs.”
When Christians act in a manner reflective of our loving, holy, righteous, and just God, we are not being hypocritical. We are doing exactly what we profess by following His virtues, moral beliefs, and principles. It doesn’t mean the world has to agree, but it also doesn’t mean that “hypocrite” is a word that describes devoted Christians. However, it is every Christian’s hope that those who do not see how the Christian concepts of love, holiness, righteousness, and justice, work together will seek (and gain) understanding.
©2013 Shona Neff
