Friday, March 24, 2023
In spite of the fact Luke did not know Jesus when Jesus was alive on earth, Luke penned the longest book in the New Testament. His writings offer attention to detail and abundant eyewitness accounts. As we step into chapter 12, Christ is delivering warnings. The first to his disciples, as the crowds grew and gathered together: “Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees—their hypocrisy” (Luke 12:1b).
Hypocrisy is a tricky thing. It’s so easy to notice—in others. “They” say one thing but do another. “They” treat those in power differently than “they” act toward underlings. “They” give advice but fail to follow it. “They” act one way when folks are looking, and the opposite when they are not. Sadly, “they” often know exactly what “they” are doing. “They” are living a life of hypocrisy.
Seeing it in ourselves is sometimes more difficult. Luke’s warning reminds us that we too can struggle with this issue. Even as Christians, we can act in hypocritical ways. Unfortunately, it’s a perception that turns people away from attending church. The truth is there have always been hypocrites in the church and likely always will be. It’s a powerful reminder of our need for a Savior.
Romans 3:23-26 succinctly presents our blight:
23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. 24 Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. 25 For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, 26 for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he makes sinners right in his sight when they believe in Jesus.
Although it can be difficult to admit our sinfulness, when we do, it shows we are fully aware of our need for him. Then we are at least being honest instead of pretending to be something we are not.
I am a follower of Christ, and I acknowledge I do not have it all together—yet. On this side of heaven, I will never outgrow the need for God’s forgiveness, mercy, and grace. I continue to be a work in progress.
Whether you are a full-fledged hypocrite or a work in progress, be reminded that authenticity is refreshing for all involved. It is not necessary to share all of your inner dirt with others, but it is necessary to be real enough to admit that there’s dirt.
Questions:
Do you consider yourself to be a hypocrite? Is it easier for you to spot a hypocrite than to admit the ways you may be one? How have hypocrites caused harm/difficulty in your life? How do you differentiate between a hypocrite and a compromising Christian?
Next Steps:
Make a list of hypocritical traits you have noticed in others. Now, consider the “you spot it, you got it” possibility. (It means anytime you notice something in someone else that drives you crazy, it is pointing to a trait you share that you don’t like very much.) Identify specific areas of personal struggle that others may regard as hypocrisy.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for loving me and accepting me beyond my understanding. Grant me the ability to clearly see myself as others see me. Reveal to me areas of compromise in my life that I have been blind to. Empower me to be authentic with others—especially those struggling in areas I am familiar with. May I daily offer genuine hope, available only through you, to this lost and hurting world. As I lean into you every day for guidance, direct each step and each spoken word. May your light shine in me and through me. In Jesus’ name, amen.