If someone were to ask you, “What is the single most devastating idea to biblical Christianity?” what would you say?
Here are some ideas I tossed around this morning. I realize the list is not complete (not by a long shot), but it is a start.
- Progressive Christianity- True Christianity is too tied to biblical ideas and needs to progress toward more liberal thought (so they say).
- Legalism- whether tied to rules we have to live by or self-imposed rigidity, this can be a deal breaker.
- Charlatans in the pulpit and the airwaves- what a mess these people make of the Gospel and peoples’ lives.
- False teaching- from the ridiculous to the ridiculous this is undermining so much of what is actually the truth.
Like I said, there are more I’m sure. But there may be one more devastating than any of those I listed. Here it is…are you ready for it? HYPOCRISY.
That’s right. Hypocrisy. The word hypocrite comes from the word play acting. Simply put: there are too many playing at Christianity. They are good about putting on airs, but their faith is fake. It is also a stumbling block to others. It should not escape us that Jesus’ harshest words were reserved for the Pharisees and Sadducees, the religious leaders of His day. They were so zealous for their brand of faith, but they were so zealously wrong. They were sincere about their observance of the rituals and laws, but they were sincerely wrong.
Hypocrisy is different from true faith/religion in one main area. They both can go through the motions. They both can do all things right in observance of sacraments or teachings. The Pharisees were good at doing, but Jesus said one thing that devastated their whole stance. THEIR HEART. Their heart was not in it. His words: “Their hearts are far from me.” I’m pretty sure we all have struggled with that in one or another. Doing something “just because.” Not necessarily because it is meaningful or will change a life, but maybe because “we have always done it before” or because it is expected.
Hypocrisy is a total opposite from real biblical faith. It is as simple as “have to” versus “want to.” Do you struggle with doing things “just because?” Join the club. But maybe it is time we put a hammer to that clubhouse and to our tribe and get with the real program.
I like that you stated that the word “hypocrite” actually means play-acting, Bill. So true! It’s not about the what and how we do things to signal to others how “devout” we are, it’s what shines from our hearts and souls that changes hearts and minds for Jesus. May we reflect His light and love.
Blessings!
What you say is true Martha. Our hearts tell the story of real vs fake. May people see the “real” from us.
I think that false teachings and hypocrisy go hand in hand. If we believe false teaching, quicker than we realize we will become hypocrites. As brother and sisters in Christ, we have to hold each other responsible, we need check and balances in our churches. When a false teacher or false statement starts up, we need to call on the pastors and elders, go to the Bible for the truth. Not be afraid to discuss what is going on and make sure we are not following false doctrine and that our faith is not drifting from the truth into hypocrisy. Faith drifting doesn’t happen overnight, over time we let false truths into the church, some seem so small at first, but those ripples begin to change beliefs and filter into other beliefs being changed. In Revelation, the seven churches, I am sure no church really wanted to have a place in the Bible where they were reprimanded by God.
You make a good point Gail about them going hand in hand. And also true is that allowing them to continue will only bring damage to the church. As Barney Fife used to say, “Nip it! Nip it! Nip it!” That is the only way to stop its unwanted spread. Thanks for the comment.