If any, what ways could you possibly be a hypocrite?
AI describes “A hypocrite as someone who pretends to have certain qualities or beliefs, but their actions contradict those beliefs or feelings.” That’s pretty accurate.
I sincerely believe some people feel that the way they live is okay. They simply don’t believe in or know about God’s way of living.
The question is, “If we profess to love God, do we follow His ways?”
We should know what God asks of us. We should know if we are living according to his will. Do you and I pretend to be followers, yet don’t follow?
God told Jeremiah to tell the people of that time:
“Will you steal and murder and be guilty of adultery? Will you falsely accuse other people? Will you burn incense to the god Baal and follow other gods you have not known?” (Jeremiah 7:9 NCV)
Then God said:
“If you do that, do you think you can come before me and stand in this place where I have chosen to be worshiped? Do you think you can say, “We are safe!” when you do all these hateful things?” (Jeremiah 7:10 NCV)
The truth is, God is perfect and desires us to live a perfect life. The problem is, we are not perfect. This imperfection creates a broken relationship with God.
The good news is, God has provided a solution. “God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son so that whoever believes in him may not be lost, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 NCV)
Christ came to earth to live the perfect life we won’t and can’t. He subjected himself to the punishment we deserved to sacrafice his life for “our” sins. If we trust in this, our past, present and future sins are forgiven and when we die, our soul is saved from hell.
It’s a really simple story to accept.
Here’s the thing - if we have professed to accept Christ, do we now live like him? Do we try to love God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength?When we fail, do we confess, repent and seek forgiveness? Do we desire God’s ways - Christ’s teachings - and share these with others?
If not, maybe you and I are a hypocrite. Maybe, we are not true believers. It’s one thing to know Christ. It’s another to have a relationship with him.
“Jesus himself said, “Isaiah was right when he spoke about you hypocrites. He wrote, ‘These people show honor to me with words, but their hearts are far from me.” (Mark 7:6 NCV)
God’s ways free us. It’s fulfilling to follow the teachings of Christ. It brings salvation to others if we share the love of Christ with those struggling.
There is much to say about a clean conscience, a pure heart and loving others as much as we love ourself.
LORD, help me - help us - to follow you. Not out of duty. But out of love and honor. Help us desire Christ’s ways. Help us to come clean when we fail. Help us to be real, and honest. IJNIP amen ♥️
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