Hypocrisy
By Mike Rule
Hypocrisy is the result of pride and deceitfulness. This is in total
opposition to Jesus, who is perfect humility and truth. Hypocrisy is nothing
more than living in our own effort and strength according to the flesh, and not
living in humility and truth according to the Spirit.
Jesus said, "Blessed are the PURE in heart, for they shall see
God." (Matthew 5:8) Those who have received Jesus have received a pure
heart because He dwells in them. However, we often believe the lie that we need
to make ourselves appear pure, which means we try to cover up our struggles,
weaknesses, temptations, and failures. Hence, we prop up a false image, which is
the same as inviting in impurity. Propping up a false image is rooted in
dishonesty and is like inviting a virus into our bodies--it makes us sick. In
other words, anything that we invite in to ourselves that is anti-Christ makes
us sick because the antibody (Jesus) attacks it, rejects is, kills it off, and
forcefully says, "This does not belong here!" Our internal misery when
we attempt to live in dishonesty proves Christ’s holiness within us. In hiding
our weaknesses, struggles, temptations, and failures we have given into
hypocrisy and are terrified that someone will find out that there is nothing
good in our flesh. Hiding ensures hypocrisy!
We attempt to hide our flesh and if we are not successful at it, then we try
to prop it up and improve it. This is nothing more than an attempt to dig up and
resuscitate the old man that was crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20). We
dress him up, put makeup on him, and try to breathe life into that old dead
carcass. Have you ever given mouth to mouth resuscitation to a rotting corpse?
GROSS! You can try as hard as you want but you will never breathe life into it.
It is DEAD!
True honesty that flows from a pure heart is not afraid to admit the
weaknesses, struggles, temptations, and failures of the flesh. If we refuse to
admit them then we will never see our need for God. Jesus -- the source of true
honesty -- safeguards us against hypocrisy while preparing us to see God
Himself!
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." (Matthew
5:8)
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