Hypocrites

2021-12-01

Many reject Christ because of the hypocrisy of Christians. This is tragic. This is why our conduct must match our calling: “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ” (Philippians 1:27).

For the non-Christian, here are some thoughts about this.

First, do not let someone who claims to be a follower of Christ turn you off from Christ. The reality is that most people are not Christians. In our society, almost everyone claims to be a Christian in some way. Churches are ubiquitous here in the western world. However, Jesus told us, “Strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matthew 7:14). Most of what calls itself Christian isn’t. Some of what calls itself Christian is from Satan: “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:13).

Second, even after becoming a Christian, nobody becomes perfect overnight. Nobody is going to be perfect this side of heaven. The apostle Peter was a hypocrite on his visit to Antioch:

But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation. (Galatians 2:11-13)

Peter, though knowing there is no longer any difference between Jewish and Gentile people, was afraid of what certain people thought. He separated himself from the Gentile believers at mealtimes. Even Barnabas the encourager was not very encouraging that day. Peter was one of the twelve original apostles. These were mighty Christians, and there they were, hypocrites. I have often not practiced what I preach. One’s expectations are too high if the apostles cannot live up to one’s standards.

Lastly, it is the case with some non-Christians to take pleasure when they see Christians acting hypocritically. They think it gives them an excuse to reject Christ. People already have decided to reject Christ, so they see this as a way to confirm their rejection. Please do not be one of these.

Please be patient. God is patient with us all.