HYPOCRISY

The Bible calls hypocrisy a sin. There are two forms it can take: that of professing belief in something and then acting in a manner contrary to that belief ... and that of looking down on others when we ourselves are flawed.

Organized religion has become the weapon of choice for Satan now. Men have fallen into a 'pseudo-faith trap' ... the conscience-searing traditions of men have replaced the soul-saving truths found in Scripture. 

Jesus is deeply offended by this hypocritical display ... These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men. (Matthew 15:8-9)

The Lord expressed His revulsion in no uncertain terms ... Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean. (Matthew 23:27)

Hypocrites may appear spiritually devout, but it is a façade. True righteousness comes from inner transformation from the Holy Spirit, not external conformity to a set of rules.

Jesus also addressed the other form of hypocrisy ... Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye” (Matthew 7:3-) 

Christ is not teaching against helping others overcome sin. He is telling us not to be so prideful and convinced of our own goodness that we criticize others from a position of self-righteousness. 

You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself because you who pass judgment do the same things. Romans 2:1

The unsaved world justifies its rejection of Jesus Christ by accusing Christians of being a 'bunch of hypocrites'. Sadly, it is a justifiable conclusion based on what they witness in today's reprobate religious factions, shameful rhetoric, and denounced church leaders. 

As followers of Christ, we must be careful not to disgrace the Gospel message by living at odds with the very faith we espouse. Remember 'to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God'. (Micah 6:8)