Hypocrites - Are They Everywhere?

This irreverant cartoon appeared in February 25th's edition of the Tuscaloosa News, and the message of the strip caught my attention. While I wouldn't suggest that this type of approach to hypocrisy is advisable, it does address the fact that hypocrites exist. The English dictionary defines a hypocrite as:

• 1. a person who pretends to have virtues, moral or religious beliefs, principles, etc., that he or she does not actually possess, esp. a person whose actions belie stated beliefs.
• 2. a person who feigns some desirable or publicly approved attitude, esp. one whose private life, opinions, or statements belie his or her public statements.

Jesus addressed this issue in regards to worship. He said, "Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Veryily I say unto you, They have their reward . . . . And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward" (Matthew 6:2, 5).

In Matthew 23:15, 27, 33, Jesus pronounces a judgment upon the hypocrite when He said, "But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. . . . Woe unto you, scribes and Phariseees, 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. . . . Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?"

No one wants to think of themselves in terms of hypocrisy, but at times it can happen to the best of people. The only cure for this is to remain focused on the purpose of Christ, making sure that there are no ulterior motives undermining our devotion and commitment to Him. In all things, we are to be guided by the principles of Christ's Love. It is by His love and grace that we are able to conquer the flesh and abide in His truth forever.