Have you ever thought to yourself, I’m a hypocrite? Perhaps, someone has accused you of being one. We’ve all had hypocritical moments, the stereotypical “say one thing, but do another.” Is that a true sign of a hypocrite in itself? Before grouping yourself in that category, consider what it means. By definition, a hypocrite is an actor. It is one who pretends to be someone he or she is not. Everything for the most part is for show. First question: are you a pretender, or did you legitimately ask Jesus to be your Lord and Savior while surrendering your life to Him? Second question: since you are human, more than likely you’ve thought, said or done something incongruent with the Word of God. If that is the case, how did it make you feel? Did it pierce your heart and make you sorry? Did you find yourself repenting? If you answered yes to these questions, then perhaps you don’t belong in that category after all. Why? A true-blue hypocrite could care less! Maybe it’s time to figure out where the inconsistencies come from.
While in the world, each of us learned things that were ingrained in our hearts and mind. They were stored up in our brain which is the physical depository of our mind. Many like to compare the mind and the brain to a computer. The mind is the software and the brain is the hardware. In the course of growing up in the world, there had been corrupt files inputted into the brain’s memory. Malware hidden in Trojan horses by the enemy found a way in and has played havoc with our thought process. Like a computer, these corrupt files need to be purged. Our brains need to be rewired. The process is called renewing of the mind, of which the Bible has a lot to say.
Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
One important thing we can do to escape hypocrisy is making a quality decision to no longer be conformed to this world. That means not seeing how much like the world we can live and still be considered a Christian. One way to do that is simply focusing on the things of God, versus trying to avoid being like the world. By putting your mind on Christ, the world will have no place in it. By living a holy and righteous life, you won’t ever have to worry about sin. There are too many things about that statement to adequately cover now, so we’ll narrow it down to a few passages of Scripture for the time being.
In relation to sin, remember this one truth in case you feel stuck: “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin” (Romans 6:6-8). “For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace” (Romans 6:14). In Jesus Christ, you are no longer a sinner; furthermore, sin does not have dominion over you; unless, you decide it does. Be sure to read all of chapter six for fuller context. “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16).
In terms of righteousness and holiness: “But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof” (Romans 13:14). “That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man (that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self), which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24).
Jesus gives us a clue when He quoted Isaiah while confronting some scribes and Pharisees: “This people honoureth Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me” (Mark 7:6 [Isaiah 29:13]). One thing that is clear, a hypocrite’s heart is far from God. That being said, the farther away from God you move, the more like a hypocrite you will feel. Conversely, by being mindful of your relationship with Him and spending more time in His Word, the more you will renovate your mind. And of course, the more authentic you feel. Do know, however, that our authenticity is not based on feelings; it is based on truth. Sincerity vacates hypocrisy! As your mind renews, your life changes. Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. Be uplifted, you are being changed. To a degree, how fast you change is up to you, and that is based on how much you cooperate with Him.
