GIF Hypocrisy

“Put away from you a deceitful mouth, and put devious lips far from you.”

(Proverbs 4:24)

Hypocrisy
by Larry Burkett

There is nothing more devastating to a believer’s life than to look spiritual but live in defeat. The immediate consequence is the loss of esteem in the eyes of loved ones, close friends, and business associates.

Children are rarely attracted to a weak, watered down version of Christianity that says one thing and does another. If they see mom and dad put on their “church” faces only on Sunday, they will believe that’s what being a Christian is all about.

When we live lifestyles that are contrary to God’s way, the step from hypocrisy to a critical spirit is a short one. It is the desire to cut others down to our level that brings about the critical or judgmental attitudes. Every small flaw in others will be amplified and expounded on in an effort to justify the flaws in our own attitudes.

Instead of accomplishing the desired result of hiding the deceptive spirit, usually the opposite occurs, and others who normally would not notice are even more aware.

I’m sure you’ve heard it before, but you may be the only “Gospel” that someone near you will “read.” It may be a loved one, a friend, or a business associate. If unbelievers see hypocrisy in your life, they’ll have no desire to be Christians.

Is someone “reading” your life? What do they see?

Daily Scripture Reading:
Numbers 32-33