This word, from a member, is one we know all too well. It is a word we have used about others, and it is a word that has been used about the Church. The picture gives a very strong and very true definition of hypocrisy: (Wes Fesler was a multi-sport athlete and coach.) Some simple definitions are that “hypocrisy is not practicing what you preach.” “Saying one thing and doing another.” And we instruct others to “do as I say, not as I do.”
So, what is our response when someone says that the Church is full of hypocrites. First, we need to praise God when someone verbalizes it, because we have a chance to respond. But too many who feel that way, just walk away. I read this story recently. I recently had a conversation with a man while visiting my brother-in-law at the nursing home. He was baptized and served in his lutheran church well into his adulthood. But the example his parents set for him led him to leave the church and become a Buddhist. It seems his parents went to church on Sunday but lived a completely different life Monday through Saturday. He called them hypocrites.”
So, how do we respond to this accusation. Saying, “you’re right, so come join us,” may be our first thought and speaks truth but not ultimately helpful. Spurgeon said that if you find the perfect church don’t join it. I believe the truth of the matter is that every human being is a hypocrite. No human being does 100% of the time what we know we should do and what we know is right. I am certain that even this Buddhist is at times hypocritical.
Having written that, as Christ followers who are now in union with Christ and empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit, we are new creatures in Christ whose goal in life is to become more like Christ. The command by God is to be holy as he is holy. “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” – Galatians 2:20 In Christ and in holiness there is no hypocrisy.
Here are some Bible verses to help us all. “The Lord says: ‘These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is based on merely human rules they have been taught.’” – Isaiah 29:13
“Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” – James 1:22
“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.” James 3:17
“Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.” Matthew 23:28
We must seek every day of the week, Sunday through Saturday, to live holy and Christlike lives. But we will fall short and be hypocritical. When that happens, let us humbly go to the cross, seeking God’s forgiveness with a desire to live better. Those parents will be judged for their hypocrisy as will we and everyone who lives hypocritically. But there is always forgiveness for the contrite in heart…
In Christ Alone
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