April 8

Written by Bill Grandi on April 8th, 2020

IMHO the most threatening offense to Biblical Christianity is not the atheist or what is called “the new atheist.” It wasn’t and isn’t the late Stephen Hawking, the late Christopher Hitchens, etc. I don’t believe it is false teachers like Bill Johnson, Todd White and other NAR people. It is not the health-wealth hucksters. It is not the “feel good” Joel Osteen’s. Nor is it anyone else with a “name.” I don’t believe it is science. I don’t believe it is the loose morality of diversity, etc . I don’t believe it is the false gospel.  Don’t misunderstand. Those are all hard-hitters.

No. It is my opinion (and you are free to disagree) that the most threatening offense to Biblical Christianity is…

HYPOCRISY

I was reminded of that as I read several different accounts involving Jesus. The first was when the Sadducees, who didn’t believe in the resurrection, asked Jesus a question about the resurrection. (Mt.22:23-28 and others). “A wife had 7 husbands who all died. Who could she be married to in heaven?” Them asking that question is like an atheist blaming the God they don’t believe in for all the suffering and evil in the world. Such hypocrisy! Close to the same time, Jesus confronts the Pharisees about…their hypocrisy. That exchange is in Matthew 23.

I’m convinced that on a whole more people watch those who say they are followers of Jesus, but live hypocritically, than those who cling to the teachings of atheism, or a false teacher, or a lack of morality. Just as Jesus was “down” on them in His day, I don’t think He’s too thrilled today either when what I say and what I do don’t match! Yeah, there are some things/teachings which are hurtful to the cause of Christ, but hypocrisy just might be the worst.

“Father, help me to live a life of equality-my words and actions match. Help me to be true.”

 

7 Comments so far ↓

  1. Wow, Bill. Yes. I know first hand the resulting pain and devastation to the Church community when they found out about my husband’s dual lifestyle. I had dinner one night with a younger woman from my church who turned away from The LORD due to the hypocrisy. She was so angry with God. Later she thanked me for allowing her to talk out her anger and pain and for speaking Truth about God to her. I never want to cause that kind of pain to another person so I, too, say the same prayer you did.

    • Bill Grandi says:

      I know you have alluded to that double lifestyle before Diane. I simply cannot fathom the pain you experienced. Nor can I blame the other lady for her anger. But praise God you were honest with her and open enough to let her vent and for allowing you to tell her the truth.

  2. Ryan S says:

    No excuses, but Jesus came for the Jew, the Gentile, and one might say the Christian and Non-Christian.
    Bottom-line, we all live a hypocrite life on some level. Sure some might be less visible than others. Some might not come to other’s awareness…
    I pray your prayer as well… God knows I need the help.

    • Bill Grandi says:

      Totally agree Ryan. I am not in any way, shape or form saying I do not struggle with hypocrisy.

  3. After reading this, Bill, I prayed that I would not be perceived as a hypocrite for my faith. Indeed, I think we all strive to have our speech and actions reflect our love for God, but as we are sinners, there are certainly going to be times we fall short. With God’s help, we can avoid the pitfalls.
    Blessings!

  4. floyd says:

    Indeed. There are few things as revolting as a person with the gall to say one thing and yet do another. It makes plain old lying look like a step up…. if that were possible.