Fearlessly Courageous
From the Desk of Dennis Piller
7 14 2023
How Many Hypocrites Do You Know?
35 years ago, I was part of a prison ministry, and every Sunday I would listen to this chaplain who was known for his foul language, hard heart, and cynical views of men and life. I lead a Bible study, and a worship choir led by inmates
but I hated to listen to his monologues.
And one day, amid my disdain, the Holy Spirit told me to look beyond the man, and then, if I set my eyes on the things that were above, I would still find lessons to learn, and a nugget from God, if I would adjust my filter.
I am convinced that day that my attitude toward this man and his so-called calling changed. I changed. God’s revelation became part of my testimony. The men saw it. I believe it was part of the revelation God gave me for these inmates, who were listening, who were seeing and hearing the hypocrisy of this so-called man of the cloth.
I had to see, and hear what they heard so the Holy Spirit could reveal to me a different way of thinking, a different way of believing, and a different way of trusting that God had a plan and a purpose, and he could even use an ass to achieve his end.
Numbers 22:21-39
How often, have we been put off by the words, actions, and deeds of what we would call a so-called Christian as an excuse to not walk with God, to not go to church, because of what we viewed as hypocrisy?
I have often realized that what I most detested in the life of someone else was something that was too clear of a reflection, of who I was,
if I honestly looked in the mirror.
Webster’s dictionary says, 1. A hypocrite is a person who puts on a false appearance of virtue or religion. 2) A hypocrite is a person who acts in contradiction to his or her stated, beliefs or feelings.
In essence, a hypocrite is an actor. Could I be a little more direct? They are a liar.
They pretend to be one way but behind closed doors. They are a different person.
Have you ever had a lightbulb go on in your life, that sometimes it’s easier to detect the hypocrisy in someone else’s life than it is in our own?
The Bible speaks about this one. It says to take the log out of your own eye before you take the splinter out of someone else’s. Matt 7:3
There is no doubt that hypocrisy is a sin, and each of us must guard against that. But at the same time, the church is full of sinners. Jesus called Zachariah out of the tree and said, ” I will dine at your house this very day.
We’re all going to fail at times, but that doesn’t make us a hypocrite. It makes us human and who among us is perfect.
Isaiah 29:13 says “Inasmuch as these people draw near with their mouths
And honor Me with their lips,
But have removed their hearts far from Me,
And their fear toward Me is taught by the commandment of men”.
That is a hypocrite!
Jesus actually quoted the scripture in Matthew 15:7-9.
Have you ever taken a minute to list the ways in the past or the present that you pretended outwardly something that is not true inwardly?
Criticizing others’ failures when my spiritual problems are similar.
Saying, I love someone when in reality I can’t stand them.
Projecting myself as having it all together, with no problems, out of fear of rejection from others.
Dishonesty in sharing my weaknesses with others, for fear of being rejected.
Pretending to be close to God, when we’re not desiring or enjoying a relationship with him.
Praying to impress others with my spirituality Matthew 6:5
Pretending to be a spiritual person when I’m really not.
Pretending to have pure moral thoughts, while yielding to lustful thoughts.
Telling my spouse, I have only eyes for you but have been unfaithful in my desires, thoughts, or actions.
Perhaps this is for someone else. But if the Holy Spirit has convicted you in some way, pray this prayer to be freed from beings Satan’s pawn in that area of your life
Lord, I have acknowledged before you these specific areas of hypocrisy. Forgive me, Lord. I thank you for forgiveness and choose to respond with truthfulness and honesty before you and man. I will find someone to be accountable in these areas.
