Who is the Hypocrite?

This morning, I was studying the gospel of Luke. In chapter 12:1-3, Jesus warns his disciples about hypocrisy:

“Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees—their hypocrisy. 2 The time is coming when everything that is covered up will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all. 3 Whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be shouted from the housetops for all to hear!” (NLT)

I think it is fair to say, that we all are offended by hypocrisy, and not many of us feel the need to be warned to stay away from hypocrites. We are drawn to the real and authentic. We love to anonymously observe poignant and unfiltered moments. We treasure our favorite childhood books like “The Velveteen Rabbit” and “The Giving Tree”, because they celebrate the true beauty of being real.

We are pretty good at spotting a fake. We are offended by spin doctoring and are usually not swayed by empty flattery. We are aware when an apology is real and when it is empty, and so it would seem that reading this passage in scripture would just strengthen our resolve to avoid hypocrites, but it had a different and piercing effect on my heart.

The footnotes in my bible expanded on what hypocrisy is, and I was convicted. Here are the signs it listed:

1. Hypocrisy is knowing the truth and not obeying it. People can say they follow Jesus, but not be obedient to His word.
2. Hypocrisy is living a self-serving life. People may desire leadership only because they love position and control, not because they want to serve others.

I do not want to be a hypocrite. I am so sick at heart and sad when I confess my sins to my savior, day after day. I say that I love Jesus… Oh and I Do….I also know his word and know I have been disobedient. I am more thankful for the cross and God’s grace than I am for my children or health or husband or anything. I know I am forgiven, but I also know I am disobedient.

Point 2 was equally convicting to me. I am really good about serving myself. I also really love all the good things God has so richly blessed me with. He has given me gifts of writing and speaking and discernment and I have rejoiced in the opportunity to serve Him with these gifts, but I honestly have loved the accolades that come from the world when I use these gifts. I am so lifted up when you sweet people encourage me about this website. I realized before the launch that I am vulnerable to praise and putting myself on public display could knock me off balance. In sincerity, I want to direct people to the true light. I don’t want to be the main attraction, but I have a hard time consistently transferring the world’s praise into my opportunity to thank and praise the Lord for what he is doing. It is all about Him and my only reaction to having been given any gift should come from a real place of true humility.

I can say without any gloss or façade that I want to be used for God’s glory and not any hollow or vapid self-glorification. I also am sincere in saying that I love you all. Before I publish any of these posts, I pray for each person reading it, and as I spend time with the one I love the most and lift you up, it has made me fall in love with each of you too.

I am so thankful that as I ask the Lord to keep revealing my sinful heart to me, He does. He got my attention today in a way I was not expecting.

I am also so thankful for you. Thank you for learning with me and encouraging me. You have been precious messengers of peace who bring good news to me. Keep encouraging others and Keep it real. You are the sweet hands and feet of Christ. Have a great weekend.

That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!” Romans 10:15 (NLT)