Christian Hypocrites

I offer this scripture as an encouragement today, to those who have been falsely accused. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:11-12.”

It seems we have all suffered rumors, gossip and slander at some point in our lives. Some more severe than others. And it hurts no matter what. But when it comes from people you care about, or people who say they care about you, it seems to cut a little deeper. Why are Christians so quick to judge one another?

Why do some go to church with a pretend happy face and while they are hugging you or shaking your hand they say, “oh sister or brother its so good to see you God Bless you.”  But behind that mask, they are saying all kinds of evil against you?

You know those people, we have all met them, perhaps we have even been them. This simply amazes me, I expected it in Jr. High and High School, but not from those who claim to be ‘Christ-like.’ When are we going to grow up? When are we going to really be the example that Christ set before us? We are here on earth to Represent Christ, is this the best we can do? I’m certainly not saying that I have never been guilty of this sin, but when God brought conviction on me it began a new work in me. Am I perfect? Absolutely not! I love what Joyce Meyer’s says, “I’m not where I need to be, but thank God I’m not where I used to be!” Amen Sister!

But growth will only come from true repentance. Recognizing that you have an issue and letting God deal with it, even when its painful. If we don’t get this, I mean really get this we are not going to grow personally and neither will our churches. This is one of the biggest reasons people don’t stay in church. Because to them, we are a bunch of hypocrites. I looked up what a hypocrite actually is; Somebody feigning high principles: somebody who gives a false appearance of having admirable principles, beliefs, or feelings.

The Greek word for hypocrite is “actor or pretender.” How can we truly love a new believer or an unsaved person, if we are only pretending to love those who are already in our church? Something needs to change. We need to change! I’m not saying there are not genuine Christians who really do love with the love of Christ, there are many. But there are many who only pretend to.

I want to come to the place that I can look beyond a persons appearance and see their heart. And love them right where they are, flaws and all, on a consistent basis, not just when I feel spiritual. The Word says, “Do not judge or you to will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you to will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:1.NIV Ouch!

I encourage you today to be an example and accept others. Not just the parts you like, but all of them. Give them grace and forgive them when they mess up. If we will begin to do this than we will see God move in our lives and in the lives of others in a powerful way. And we can begin to change the way the world views the church, not as Hypocrites but as true Representatives of Christ.