What is a Hypocrite?

“I Don’t Want To Be A Hypocrite”

A man begins to neglect his spiritual duties. Though once faithful to attend all of the assemblies, now he never does. He has basically severed all ties with the local congregation. He refuses to return calls, and is never available to meet with concerned Christians who try to visit with him.

Finally, a face-to-face meeting is held. Why has he followed this course of action? What has happened to cause this dramatic change in him? Here’s his explanation:  “I know that I’m not living right. I have a problem with sin in my life. I’m tired of ‘living a lie’. When I come to church I feel like a hypocrite. I just can’t continue on like this. So, I’ve decided to stop the charade. I won’t be coming to church anymore, because I don’t want to be a hypocrite.”

What can we say about such a situation? Certainly, hypocrisy is an ugly thing. In fact, the hypocritical scribes and Pharisees received Jesus’ strongest words of condemnation. It is right, therefore, to rid oneself of hypocrisy. And, we definitely ought to be honest with ourselves about such a situation. “If our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things” (1 Jn. 3:20).

However, here is where the fella in our example (along with many real persons) makes a terrible mistake. He assumes that he has only two alternatives: 1) continue to act as a hypocrite by remaining in his sin while making a pretense of faithfulness, or 2) give up his service to God completely.

Those are not the only choices! What has been overlooked here is the right choice. Repentance is the answer! Yes, you should stop being a hypocrite, and you can do so by repenting!

- by Greg Gwin