One of the biggest complaints I have heard about Christianity is that we are a bunch of hypocrites. There are times when this is just a way to end a conversation and sometimes it is the result of a legitimate complaint against the church. Either way, “you Christians are a bunch of hypocrites” has been used by many as a reason not to attend a church or claim Christ at all. The sad reality is…their right. Christianity is full of a bunch of hypocrites. I’m a hypocrite and (if you call yourself a Christian) you’re a hypocrite. It’s just part of the deal of claiming the name of Christ.
A Christian (by definition) is “1: a – One who professes belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ”. A Hypocrite, on the other hand, is defined in the following terms.
noun \ˈhi-pə-ˌkrit\
1
: a person who puts on a false appearance of virtue or religion
2
: a person who acts in contradiction to his or her stated beliefs or feelings
I fail to represent Christ well every day. I lose my temper, am impatient and I won’t even profess to always have “Godly” thoughts when I look at a woman. I can’t live according to the perfect standard that was established in Christ. Christ clearly says that I am supposed to “love my neighbor as myself” and I know it but don’t do it. I am a selfish person who is focused on my comfort and my security. So being a Christian is actually taking on the title of hypocrite.
The question is how you respond to that label. Do you embrace it or have remorse? If you live however you want and use “grace” as a get out of jail free card, then you are embracing your hypocrisy. If, on the other hand, you are open and honest with your sin, share your struggles and failures with others and look for ways to overcome the sin and temptation that surrounds you than you have remorse. Sadly, there are many “Christians” who embrace their hypocrisy.
The world is watching and this isn’t a game. I once heard a man speaking about his behavior when he first became a Christian. The man who led him to Christ was walking past one day and whispered in his ear “quit telling people you’re a Christian”. “What do you mean?” he responded. “You’re giving the rest of us a bad name”. The man realized he had become exactly what he hated about Christians.
That’s the challenge I give you today. Either put up or shut up. Stop embracing hypocrisy and live radically for Christ.