Am I a hypocrite? That’s a good question. Unfortunately, sometimes I am. We all are.
Another good question to ask ourselves is, ‘Why am I a hypocrite?’ Well, it’s part of our sin nature. As fallen humans, we all struggle with inconsistencies in our behavior and attitudes. However, knowing you have a problem is the start to overcoming it. Therefore, it is important to examine our own hearts, confess our sins, and actively strive to align our actions with our beliefs.
11 But when Cephas (Peter) came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. 12 For prior to the coming of some men from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he began to withdraw and separate himself, fearing those from the circumcision. 13 The rest of the Jews joined him in hypocrisy, with the result that even Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy. 14 But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in the presence of all, “If you, being a Jew, live like the Gentiles and not like the Jews, how is it that you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews?
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What is the Definition of Hypocrisy?
Hypocrisy is the deceptive and insincere act of pretending to be something or someone you are not. Essentially, it is saying one thing and doing another, often to impress or gain favor with others.
Peter was a Hypocrite Once (or Twice) Too
Peter’s actions toward the Gentile believers expose his inconsistency and reveal his hypocrisy. Remember, Peter was a prominent leader in the early church. He understood the truth of the Gospel that had transformed his life. But he still stopped hanging out with the Gentile Christians when his Jewish gang arrived. His actions contradicted the Gospel he professed and showed a lack of consistency in his behavior. This passage is a powerful reminder for all of us. We need to be sure to align our actions with the Gospel we believe. But how can we avoid the traps of peer pressure or the fear of man? By examining our hearts and actions. That way we can live a more authentic and transformative life that will inspire others to follow Christ.
Ok, I was a Hypocrite
So, this whole blog site is supposed to be about My Pilgrim’s Progess. So, here we go. Thankfully I am my own worst critic. And more thankfully, Jesus is so so so patient with me.
I can’t count how many times I was quick to judge and get irritated at someone for using foul language. Now get this, here’s the hypocrisy. I would usually condemn the person (in my mind of course) and in the process, the foulest thoughts would spew out.
While I’m at it, confession is good for the soul they say. This one is still a constant pain for me sometimes. How often am I kind and considerate to someone I don’t know well, or a stranger? And yet I hardly go the extra mile for those closest to me. Pathetic!
Why Am I a Hypocrite? Why are we hypocrites?
There are several common causes of hypocrisy that we should be aware of:
- Pride: Pride can lead you to believe you are better than others. Well, you aren’t. You aren’t exempt from the same standards you apply to anyone else. In most cases, you are probably more accountable, because you know you are guilty of the same thing.
- Fear of man: Fear of man can lead you to compromise your beliefs. Maybe you want to fit in with others or to avoid conflict or rejection.
- Lack of self-awareness: Sometimes you can fail to recognize your own hypocrisy because you simply lack self-awareness or because you are blinded by your own biases or prejudices.
- Inconsistency: Inconsistency between our beliefs and our actions will cause others to question your integrity and sincerity.
- Legalism: When you become too focused on following rules and external standards, you can become legalistic and hypocritical, as you judge others by a different standard than you apply to yourself.
It’s important to recognize these common causes of hypocrisy. It’s also important to guard against them and strive to live out an authentic faith with integrity and consistency. Rely on the empowering of the Holy Spirit to help you live a life that reflects the truth of the Gospel.
How can I Avoid Being a Hypocrite?
- Pride: Remember that you are no better than anyone else. Cultivate humility by acknowledging your weaknesses. Be quick to seek forgiveness and admit when you are wrong.
- Proverbs 16:18 – “Pride goes before destruction…” Destruction? Whoa.
- James 4:6 & 1 Peter 5:5 – “God opposes the proud…” The Greek word for “opposes” is “antitassetai”. It has a military sense to it. So, think about it as if God going to war against (not for) you if you are proud.
- Fear of man: Recognize that approval of others is fleeting and ultimately unimportant. Your primary allegiance is to God. Seek to please Him above anyone else, even if it means going against the crowd. Pray for boldness, wisdom and humbleness in how to communicate your beliefs in a winsome and respectful manner.
- Proverbs 29:25 – “The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.”
- John 12:42-43 – “Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in Him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it…’
- Lack of self-awareness: Reflect on your heart and motives. Ask some trusted friends for honest feedback. Keep a journal to track your thoughts and feelings. Seek to be teachable and open to correction.
- Proverbs 26:12 – “Do you see a person wise in their own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for them.”
- James 1:22 – “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
- Inconsistency: Live out your faith in every area of your life. Don’t just be a Sunday Churchian or in certain contexts. Be authentic and transparent with others, admitting your struggles and weaknesses. Seek accountability from others who can lovingly challenge you to live with integrity.
- Hosea 6:4 – “What shall I do with you, O Ephraim? What shall I do with you, O Judah? For your loyalty is like a morning cloud And like the dew which goes away early.”
- Colossians 3:23-24 (NASB) – “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.”
- Legalism: Remember that your salvation is not based on your performance. This was, and still is at times, a killer for me. Jesus loved and died for you way before you got your act together. Resist the temptation to judge others by external standards. Instead, focus on loving them and pointing them to Jesus. Seek to live in the freedom and grace that Christ has given us, and to extend that grace to others. I know that’s easier said than done. But hey, you have the Holy Spirit to guide and help you.
- Matthew 7:5 – “You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.”
- Isaiah 1:11-17 – It’s too long to quote here. But do yourself a favor. Read it. Pray first, then read, then think about it.
How about You?
Ok, now it’s your turn. I want you to really think about if you have been or are being a hypocrite. It isn’t easy to come clean, even with yourself. But, my prayer for you is to live the authentic and fulfilling Christian life Jesus has for you.
For the Seeker or the Unsure
I know that not everyone reading this is a Christian. If that’s you, I want to talk to you specifically for a second. I care about where you spend eternity. What we are talking about has eternal consequences. So, please read this knowing that I wish you the best for you.
Being a Christian is not easy, and that is why most are reading this. They know that becoming a Christian is a huge commitment. There is no such thing as being a Christian because you got fire insurance at some meeting or in a Mall. You aren’t a Christian because you go to church every Sunday, or because you said a prayer, or because you were raised in a Christian home. A Christian is someone who knows they are a sinner, believes the Word Of God, accepts the Bible as the Truth of God, and has committed their life to follow Jesus.
God loves you and desires a relationship with you.
John 3:16-17: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.”
Sin separates you from God
Romans 3:23 – “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
Jesus the Christ is the only way to God
John 14:6 – “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”
You must receive Jesus the Christ as your Savior and Lord
Acts 2:38 – “Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’”
Conclusion
Whether you’re a Christian or not and want to know more about having a relationship with God through Jesus, please leave a comment. I would love to provide you with more insight and resources to help you on your journey.
God Bless,
DonR