How does God really feel about our hypocrisy and “show”?
One of the knocks of so many against the church is “the church is full of hypocrites.” True. But also not true. Say what?
Well, you see, a hypocrite says one thing but lives a different way. They don’t really care how they present Christ. But there are also those who do. Why is it then that those who shoot the “hypocrisy” bullet only see one side of the equation? Their perspective is skewed because they choose those who back up their own lie. They like to focus on those who don’t care what kind of testimony they are giving. All the while, they are blind to those who truly do care and are trying to live their lives as close to the Jesus-model they can.
The truth is that we are all hypocrites. That’s because none of us are perfect; we are all sinners. Because of that one powerful truth, we will all fail in some way. I will NEVER be THE PERFECT WITNESS. And, of course, neither will you.
The real burr in the saddle though are those who simply don’t care. They will say, “Yeah, I go to church” or “Yeah, I’m a Christian” but have NO intention of living like it. I’m not perfect by any stretch. No one knows that more than me, but what frustrates the pastor in me are those who simply don’t care, but love the pretense and show of going to church. The real crux of the matter is not what I think, but what God thinks. Reading from Amos this morning gave me that answer: “I hate all your show and pretense-the hypocrisy of your religious festivals and solemn assemblies. I will not accept your burnt offerings and grain offerings. I won’t even notice all your choice peace offerings. Away with your noisy hymns of praise! I will not listen to the music of your harps. Instead, I want to see a mighty flood of justice, an endless river of righteous living.” (Amos 5:21-24 NLT).
Hmmmm. Not much doubt how He feels is there? We, of course, do not have burnt, grain or peace offerings that we offer in our assemblies as they were required to do. But we do sing. We do give. We do have communion. We do have some guy up front yapping away. 🙂 We even have a certain day set aside for honoring God (Sunday). But are those things meaningful to us or are they something we just do?
Hypocrite or “real”? Only you can answer that question.
God doesn’t want lip service, but heart service, and Amos has said it all here, Bill. Yes, we’ve all sinned and fall short of the glory of God, so let’s not point fingers at others but instead, examine our own hearts and motives.
Blessings!
My point exactly Martha. Thanks for seeing it.
There are hypocrits in politics, in human services industries, in the media–no group is exempt because no individual is exempt. There is hypocracy in all of us. It is only by God’s grace that we sometimes get it right and actually live out what we say we believe. Jesus warned the religious leaders of His time about being hypocritical. He knew it would keep others from finding God’s grace. It’s a warning each of us need to take to heart.
So true Pam! Hypocrites everywhere but how devastating to someone’s soul who doesn’t see a follower of Jesus living out what he says he believes. Thanks for pointing out the commonality of hypocrisy.
I think Amos said it best. God wants a true heart, God doesn’t want religion practices, God wants and deserves true worship and a life that reflects His glory. We all have choices to make every day, and we have to stop, pray and think, is this behavior honoring God, and lifting up His kingdom, or breaking God’s heart. When we make God our first priority, as He should be, our walk with God, is a learning and life changing experience. It is not just a check list of what we do, but its forms our lives into reflection of who we became through Christ, not who we were.
Well said Gail. In fact, maybe better than I did! 🙂 I do appreciate your thoughts and how they are spot on.
Mmm. Looks like Amos said it all, Bill. Those Old Testament prophets cut to the chase. They didn’t have time for frivolities or fancy footwork.
I’ve noticed that too Linda. Not beating around the bush.
My perspective has changed a bit on this and to be completely fair, I can only look at myself in the mirror. I know God has saved anyone who has put their trust and faith in Christ. We are seen by God through that lense. However, there will be some that call upon the Lord and they will not be known. Matthew 7:23
We are not saved by works, but if our lives are not changed, did we really truly put our trust in Him. That said, it is not my place to judge. It is my place to hold my fellow brothers and sisters accountable in Love. We also grow in Christ at different speeds. Some may have a 180 change, while others may take a lifetime. All that to say… I am only saved because of the Grace of God and the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.
No argument here on that Ryan. I am in total agreement on all you said. Obviously, I do not know someone’s heart. Only God does. I need only check mine.