Hypocrite?

One of the most negative words I often hear associated with Christians is hypocrite. I hear things such as, ‘I don’t want to be a hypocrite’, ‘I would go to church but I cannot stand the hypocrites’, and ‘They are a hypocrite, because they go to church and still ____________________’ (You fill in the blank)



Biblically speaking a hypocrite is not someone who has personal problems, yet goes to church, and participates in worship or service. The Greek word Jesus used to describe hypocrite literally means: a stage actor, a pretender. Therefore, according to the scriptures it is not hypocritical to be a Christian and have issues such as: bad habits, shortcomings, temper tantrums, marriage problems, etc. However, it is hypocritical to be a Christian who pretends or acts as if he/she has no issues.



I’m not suggesting that Christians need to publicly announce their issues to keep from being a hypocrite. After all we are told not to cast our pearls before swine. Neither should we use our imperfection as an excuse not to grow in Christ. I am suggesting that we get real, and realize we don’t go to church because we are perfect. God gifts the church with ministry gifts, not as a result of our perfection, but as a result of His perfect love. In His perfect love, he uses common people to change the world. Our imperfection is not the sign of a hypocrite, but ultimately something that brings glory to God. But this precious treasure--this light and power that now shine within us--is held in perishable containers, that is, in our weak bodies. So everyone can see that our glorious power is from God and is not our own. (2 Cor 4:7 NLT) God uses weak people to distribute his power in the world.



Don’t let the fear of being called a hypocrite keep you from church this Sunday. Come as you are, worship the king of kings, and before you know it, not only will your life improve, but God will shine through ‘even you’ in order to touch the life of someone else.