Unfortunately, there are many "sheep clothing" individuals here and there who could say one thing while actually meaning another. I don't need to single out any person by name; this is a sad fact. The sin of hypocrisy is comparable to a cancer condition in that, if not treated, it has the potential to destroy the victim.
How can someone identify their hypocrisy? The sad facts about hypocrites are as follows:
- Quick to accuse others of committing the same sin as them:
This is a fairly prevalent kind of leadership among non- believers. Whether in a religious or public setting, you will hear about a man who was fired for the same offense his principal is committing openly and with impunity. Here's an example to help you understand what I am saying: A governor who embezzled billions of dollars enjoys impunity, but a commissioner who mishandled a few thousand dollars would be fired and put on probation. Repent and ask God to purify you because He abhors them.
Matthew 23:25: Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.
- You enjoy being pardoned, but you find it impossible to pardon others for even the tiniest wrongdoing.
That only serves to highlight your hypocrisy. You have some standards by which you judge yourself and others. You don't believe that others should get the best of what you love the most.
Matthew 18:23: Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.
Matthew 18:24: And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.
Matthew 18:25: But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.
Matthew 18:26: The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
Matthew 18:27: Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.
Matthew 18:28: But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.
Matthew 18:29: And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
Matthew 18:30: And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.
- Despite being eager to criticize others' weaknesses, you fail to recognize your own.
In Romans 2:1–29, the apostle Paul states that rather than passing judgment on others, we should examine our own lives and take care of the speck in our own eyes before attempting to do the same for someone else. This brings to mind a neighbor of mine back then who, despite being unable to read plain English, tried practically every day to dissuade me from writing when I first started writing for online platforms.
It's crucial to stop and consider whether you are actually leading a life that is pleasing to God if you notice any of these indicators in your life. If you are battling with hypocrisy, it's imperative to pray for God's forgiveness and seek His help in living a life that pleases Him. He will assist you in realizing your own sins and making amends for them. He will also empower you to live a life that is in line with the Bible.
In Luke 18:10–14, the Lord Jesus Christ related the following story: Two men—one a Pharisee and the other a publican—went up to the temple to pray. The Pharisee prayed, "God, I thank Thee that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican," as he stood and faced the heavens. I give tithes of whatever I own and observe two weekly fasts. Then, the publican cried out, "God be merciful to me, sinner," while standing far away and refusing to even lift his eyes to heaven. This man, I assure you, entered his home justified, as opposed to the other.
Jesus used this parable to teach His disciples a valuable lesson about humility and hypocrisy. I assure you, the tax collector walked home justified before God, not the Pharisee, he said. This parable shows us that God is unimpressed by our attempts to appear righteous on the outside. He cares more about our hearts. If we feel contrite and sorry for our sin, He'll pardon us and empower us to lead the upright lives He wants for His children.
Let's pray, Heavenly Father. We come to you now in gratitude for your mercy. We entrust our lives to your care and ask for your pardon for all that we have done wrong. Lord, bring us back to yourself. By the blood of Jesus Christ, we are made clean. We received the strength to stick with you today all the way to the end, in Jesus name.
