Gospel Message & Recording
Are you a hypocrite? As Christians, this is something we all think about; or, in fact, we might have been called a hypocrite by someone; or considered ourselves to be a hypocrite a few times in our life. Whatever the case may be, the understanding of what makes someone a hypocrite or not is convoluted. Here, I will attempt to bring some clarity into this complex discussion.
First and foremost we must identify what hypocrisy is not. There are those who struggle with sin in their life. It’s a genuine struggle. There is no evil intent behind their actions. In such a person’s life, there is a persistent desire to get better but there are the obvious stumbling blocks that often occur that cause us to have a weaker relationship with Christ. This could lead to having problems in marriage, workplace, or in our parishes. In any case, the central point here is this: genuine struggle does not make someone a hypocrite because at the same time he or she consistently goes to church, reads the Bible, or may lead a ministry at church. A distinction must be made here. Sin which is of an extreme nature, sexual, unethical, or related to marital issues can disqualify a person from leading at work or church. This is not because an institution has “branded” someone a hypocrite, but rather, he or she, has not met the full requirements, or lived up to those requirements in order to provide leadership within a religious or secular institution.
So then who is the real hypocrite? Firstly, such a thought outside of this message is not a thought that needs to be entertained in the mind. That is, attempting to “label” someone a hypocrite might indicate that you are one. The reason is Jesus himself explains by saying, “Before you take the speck out of someone’s eye, take the log out of your own.” The point is clear: worry about yourself! One of the main characteristics of a hypocrite is not only his or her own hypocrisy but also intent to find fault in others. Such people suffer from a high level of insecurity and jealousy, and so they try to find hypocrisy in others, never willing to look inside themselves and change.
The definition of hypocrite means “two-faced.” In other words, there is a deliberate and purposeful attempt to lead a “double life.” Once again, there is a distinction here between “life struggle” and “deliberate and purposeful attempt.” The former has a relationship with Christ and is working on his or her problems. The latter does not have a relationship with Christ, finds fault in others and does not want to change. Generally speaking, most people do not fall under category hypocrite; but because of misunderstanding, Christians and non-Christians, have misused the word hypocrite and labeled other inappropriately.
Discussion Questions:
Have you ever felt you were a hypocrite? If so, Why?
Have you ever been called a hypocrite? If so, Why?
In regard to hypocrisy, do you agree or disagree with the distinction that is made between someone who is “struggling with sin” and someone who is “deliberately and purposefully” attempting to lead a double life?
“Sin which is of an extreme nature, sexual, unethical, or related to marital issues can disqualify a person from leading at work or church. This is not because an institution has “branded” someone a hypocrite, but rather, he or she, has not met the full requirements, or lived up to those requirements in order to provide leadership within a religious or secular institution.” Comment and Discuss.