Full-Blown Hypocrisy

Another word for hypocrisy is acting (playing a theatrical role), which makes a hypocrite an actor. One who pretends to be someone or something he is not. Of course, another definition is the practice of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one does not conform or possess. You know, false virtue, virtue-signaling, or everyone’s favorite: sanctimoniousness. Let’s not forget the cherry on the top: expecting others to live up expectations, and looking down on those who don’t measure up.
Full-blown hypocrisy requires a great storyline, along with a beautiful facade. To really make it full-blown, the actor believes his own story, which makes it easier to sell. It goes along with the propaganda technique in which a lie is repeated enough times that people actually believe it. The more he repeats his fictious storyline, the more the pretender believes it’s non-fiction. This is known as self-deception.
Ironically, the self-deception is so great, he believes no one sees through the smokescreen. The hypocrite may initially look like he belongs in the Church; however, the fruit is not there. A true disciple of Jesus Christ might have hypocritical moments, when his behavior does not match his actual beliefs. Nonetheless, he repents quickly when exposure comes. The hypocrite is not looking for repentance; he’s looking for admiration.
Basically, Jesus defines it quite well when he rebukes the scribes and Pharisees in Matthew 23. It’s what full-blown hypocrisy looks like. The façade is a cover for the rottenness inside. The outside it looks good, but the inside is full of termites. The whole thing collapses when pressure is put against it. Proverbially speaking, the hypocrite will fall apart, or be exposed when it’s time to step to the plate. Look at one of the descriptions Jesus uses.
Matthew 23:27-28 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.

Hypocrisy-Light

Part of being a disciple of Jesus Christ is brutal honesty with ourselves, which is a requirement for being honest with others. The willingness to see what might be lurking in our hearts, and receiving correction, goes a long way. Even though we may be born-again, there are things inside each of us with which needs dealing. The sin issue has been dealt with, which enables God to take us through the process of sanctification whereby He conforms us to the image of Jesus.
Romans 8:29 For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the Firstborn among many brethren.
Hebrews 12:5-10 And you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons, “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor faint when you are reproved by Him; for those whom the Lord loves He disciplines, and He scourges every son whom He receives.” It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness (NASB).
Let’s be clear about this: the process goes better for those who are humble and willing. It does not go so well for those who are prideful and resistant. Think about, if we had our act together, or if we already “arrived” when we were born-again, why would the Father need to discipline any of us? What does this mean? It means, we all deal with hypocrisy. How many of us have walked around as if we had our stuff together, and our stuff don’t stink? Have you ever been there? Full disclosure, I have!
To be fair, part of our hypocrisy is simply the result of faking until we make it. In other words, we are trying to be Christ-like, because we truly believe in doing so. But there are things we choose to ignore, hoping they will go away, and we actually succeed in being Christ-like. In addition, there are those things to which we are blind. Either way, until they’re dealt with, they will hinder us. Basically speaking, in our heart of hearts, we are true believers who are not pretending to be Christians. We just haven’t arrived yet. Fortunately, in Him we are perfect in the sight of God.
There are strongholds that interfere with our attitudes and actions. They range from lusts to deep-seated hurts, along with false suppositions we learned along the way. Have you ever acted in a way, which left you feeling disappointed with yourself, and you did not know the reason?
Here’s a couple examples of how a deep-seated hurt might work against us. Let’s say I meet someone for the first time, and I feel resentment toward him for no apparent reason. Similarly, I feel fear or dread the moment I meet someone for the first time. Why? Because the individual reminds of someone who hurt me. It might his appearance, voice, or mannerisms. Perhaps, all of the above. Either way, I’m dealing with un-forgiveness, or the fear associated with the pain I suffered. In such an occasion, it’s time to ask God for the wisdom to properly deal with whatever is going on.

Removing Hypocrisy

Here’s a few places to start in ridding ourselves of hypocrisy. As previously mentioned, humble ourselves before God, and ask Him for wisdom. Be willing to see what might be there, but don’t try to manufacture something. Let Holy Spirit reveal it. Receive correction and discipline, and act on His instructions. Renew the mind by spending alone time with the Lord, and getting into His Word. It’s amazing what Scripture can do in exposing what’s in the core of our being, and changing the way we think, believe and behave.
Hebrews 4:12-13 For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with Whom we have to do.

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Righteousness Exalts A Nation

Proverbs 14:34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.

Most want the best for their nation. They want to see it prosper and stand in a place of prominence. They’ll even fight for it, because they love their country. In recent years, there’s been moral decay, which has affected much of the world. That same decay has been responsible for the downfall of a number of nations throughout history. How many people fear their nation is on a collision course for the same end? Is that the way you view your nation?

So how do you stop it? What measures are you willing to implement to change its course? Some have taken the view that if we put the right people in positions of authority, it will change things for the better. In democratic societies that idea has proven futile. As a matter of fact, it’s backwards to think in those terms, especially if you’re a Christian. But to continue that line of thinking, to some degree, those in office are a reflection of the heart of those who voted for them.  

As our opening text says, righteousness exalts a nation. Would you agree it is time for those who claim Christ to take a stand for righteousness? If that is the case, it is important to understand that taking such a stance begins with us as individuals. It does not begin with voting for certain politicians, protesting while using picket signs and banners with platitudes, and the like. In short, leaning on our own understanding of things will never change a thing. We have to begin with the state of our own heart before addressing the state of the nation.

Get Rid of Hypocrisy

Psalm 2:2 Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.

Hypocrisy can be very blatant, except to the one who practice it. Those quick to point out other people’s faults are usually just as guilty, if not more (see Romans 1:1-7). Self-deception accompanies duplicity, which is an important reason to become self-aware. More pointedly, it is essential to examine ourselves with the help of Holy Spirit.

2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates.

There are some important questions we can ask ourselves, especially if a self-righteous finger begins to rise up toward another. “Are there things I’m tolerating in myself that should not be there?” “How does my life stack up against the Word of God?” Hypocrites avoid the Word, be it the Bible or spoken, because they do not want to be exposed. Jesus is our Standard, so if one should feel the need to compare one’s self with another, start with Him. That might put things in proper perspective.

Hebrews 4:12-13 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.

Exposure from the Light of the Word is a very good thing. It leads to repentance for those who are willing to receive correction. How can we expect correction to take place in a nation or community, if we ourselves are unwilling to receive it? We know God disciplines those He loves, and it produces the peaceable fruit of righteousness in those who are trained by it (see Hebrews 12:5-11). Peace is connected to righteousness, which can serve a barometer of sorts in relation to our hearts. One way to look at it is a lack peace may be a sign of walking in unrighteous territory. It could be something as simple as having the wrong attitude. We cannot afford to ignore the conviction of Holy Spirit when He calls us to repentance. In short, it is impossible to stand for righteousness if we live a life of hypocrisy. Change begins with repentance.

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Heart Check is not for the Faint of Heart

This blog is going to be very direct, and yet, it’s intent is to offend no one; except the old man (nature), but then, he’s supposed to be crucified anyway. This is a call for examination of our own hearts. Yes, this includes the writer -me! Please, prayerfully consider what is being said. Allow Holy Spirit reveal what He desires to show you.

Heart Check Number 1: Deal With Your Own Hypocrisy

Like it or not, our own hypocrisy is holding us back from being who we need to be for God, and fulfilling our calling. The Church at large has lost untold influence due hypocrisy. It is very hard to listen to a hypocrite. Hypocrites spot other hypocrites quite easily, but they’re blind to their own duplicity. They are usually the first to criticize others.  Ever been there?
   Romans 2:1-2 Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things (read all of chapter two).
   Before going too far overboard, let’s define hypocrite. The word means to be an actor. One who pretends to be someone he or she is not. We can sincerely love the Lord, but still have hypocritical tendencies. This usually happens when we become self-righteous and lose touch with God’s mercy and grace. You know, the moments when we feel very critical or judgmental of others.
   Probably, one of the bigger things we bump up against is holding others to a standard we can’t keep, or even try to maintain. This happens a lot when it comes to leaders of the Church, business, government and so on. Some ridicule others for their misbehavior, while privately practicing the same things.
   And that leads to a question: how clean are we when we’re alone, out of sight of others? Are we doing things in secret that would be an embarrassment should they become public? If the latter is the case, how could we possibly ridicule another? That’s called hypocrisy!
   Matthew 7:1-5 Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.
   We as the Church, the Body of Christ, need to be honest with ourselves. If we don’t deal with this issue, we will never influence the world for the Kingdom in a meaningful way. Have you ever asked the Lord how could things be such a hot mess? Have you ever considered it may be the result of us not being who we are meant to be?

Heart Check Number 2: Are We Willing To Change?

How many have something in which they’ve struggled for a very long time? Perhaps, it’s a pet sin, a pet hurt, anger, wrath and so on. Is it a real struggle, or do they say it is, so they feel better about not actually dealing with it? Similar to those who never intend change, but make a New Year’s Resolution in order to not look or feel bad. They may give it the old college try, but then fall flat in a matter of days. “No one ever keeps a resolution. Maybe next year.” They quit before they begin, because they aren’t serious about it.
   To be clear, there are those who have had legitimate struggles of which they want to be free. For whatever reason, they haven’t experienced the victory, yet. To those of you who may fall in this category, know that God is faithful. He has the solution. He is your Healer, Deliverer and has already given you the victory, and it will manifest. Jesus is worthy for you to succeed!

  Humans fight against change, even when it’s for the better. Ironically, they fight against the changes of which they want to make; but they are so comfortable where they are, they don’t make the effort. No one wants to leave his or her nice, warm comfortable bed in the morning, even when they’re excited for the what the day has to offer. Have you ever looked forward to something, but when the morning came, you still wanted to roll over?
   To experience the excitement that lays ahead, we have to get out of bed; otherwise, we will go to our graves with regret. Change is often uncomfortable, but it’s necessary for a truly meaningful life, which includes pleasing God. We are called to be conformed to the image of Jesus. For that to happen, it is necessary to submit to Holy Spirit and allow the Lord to do the work within us. Trust Him, He knows what He’s doing.  
   Ephesians 4:8-16 Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.

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