It is almost impossible to see hypocrisy in the mirror. We can see inconsistencies in others. But we often have a higher opinion of ourselves.
It almost seems the more religious we become, the more we excuse the ‘white’ sins of pride and arrogance in our life. It is so easy to see the moral failures in the lives of others and yet neglect our own spiritual pride that allows us to think we’re better than most.
Throughout His life, Jesus was confronted by religious hypocrites. They thought they were doing God’s work. The majority of the public looked up to them. However, Jesus could see through their mask and warned His disciples.
“Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces, And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts: Which devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation.” (Mark 12:38-40)
Do you notice some of the things Jesus noticed?
- They wore long robes. These were to be used for religious duty. But many began to wear them in public so people would notice them.
- They loved long greetings. They wanted to be called by many titles and complimentary names.
- They made long prayers. They wanted others to notice how much they talked with God.
- Best seats & rooms. Among others, they thought they deserved the best and wanted to be first.
- They destroyed the destitute. Perhaps the worse thing they did was that they took advantage of people in society who should have been cared for. They used their position to take money from widows.
- They will receive greater damnation. Jesus condemns these religious leaders who used their sacred office to hurt others.
We may not be religious leaders, but I think as we are wise when we can see some of the same tendencies toward this kind of hypocrisy. So I want to warn you of 5 attitudes that need to be checked in your life before it leads you into danger…
- The Desire for Respect
Everyone likes to be treated with respect. Yet true humility is to sacrifice self rather than exalt it. It is dangerous to accept a position because of the respect which will be given.
- The Craving for Prominence
Many times we may look at where we have arrived in life, what we are doing for God or others, and think we have earned it, rather than seeing our position in life as a greater opportunity to serve God and others. Even if we have not arisen to the position we think we deserve, the craving for prominence can spoil us. It is important to look at our position, not as a privilege, but as a responsibility.
- The Pride of Privilege
It is easy to be trapped by our own conceited, inflated view of ourselves. When we have more than others, we often think we are better than others. Climbing to a higher position may lead to pride which will soon lead to our destruction.
- The Hypocrisy of Holiness.
Being set apart from sin can lead us to think we are better than others. Since we don’t do what others do and we do what we ought to do, we often look down at those who are not at our level. However, though we may appear on the outside to have it all together, we may have a worse sin in our heart.
- The Attempt to Traffic Religion
It is possible to use our religious connections for self-gain and self-advancement. This is a warning to all of us not to use our church or religion for what we can get out of it, but what we can put into it.
Are you a hypocrite? Are you trying to pretend that you have it all together, when deep inside you know you can’t keep up the act much longer? Or maybe your sin is pride which is as ugly as any moral sin?
The cure for hypocrisy is not to change anything on the outside. It’s not a matter of doing more things, of trying to get more religious. That just perpetuates hypocrisy. If you want to change, if you want to truly become someone you’ve never been before, the change has to take place on the inside.
I know of only one person who can affect that kind of change. His name is Jesus Christ. Stop playing Christian charades. Stand before Him and admit that you’re a sinner. Implement the important and intensify the internal. When you do, He’ll forgive you and set you on your way to becoming all that He created you to be.
You can read some of my similar articles: What are you hiding? How to get the love back, Hypocrite Inventory.