I am a hypocrite.
At least, that’s what they tell me.
Everyday I hear this word from religious (or formerly religious) people, when talking about why they want nothing to do with the church, or our ministry:
“They’re all a bunch of hypocrites!”
I’ve heard it about religion, churches, youth groups, about myself. I’ve heard it from teenagers, parents, adults and strangers
My default response has always been to defend these accusations, to prove their charges as without merit. (To shut ’em up).
But, let’s go to the dictionary, shall we?
Hypocrite noun /hi-pə-krit/ a person who acts in contradiction to his or her stated beliefs or feelings.
This word is traced back to Greek dramas, with the actors literally having “two-faces”.
OK, here’s the deal… If you’re a Christian who shares his or her faith publicly on any level, you’re going to use the words of Scripture or the life of Christ as a guideline, for others and for yourself.
And, as a flawed and failing person, you’re going to eventually miss the mark of the guideline you use. You’re going to fall well short of the standard you uphold…
As you seek to be a Christian, you will invariably be the hypocrite.
Does that mean that you stop using that guideline?
Does it mean you stop upholding that standard?
Does it mean you hide your mess and your junk?
Does it mean you close your mouth in the face of what you believe to be right?
“No”, “No”, “No” and “Not a chance.”
Here’s the truth:
I am a mess, living in need of Grace.
I am a fraud, seeking to be better.
I am a big talker and a shallow walker.
I am a two-faced, duplicitous pretender.
And so are you… I’m sorry to break it to you.
That’s OK for both of us, though… It doesn’t change the rightness of the message. It doesn’t negate the need for the standard. It doesn’t mean we speak any more softly about what we believe.
It doesn’t mean anything other than, we are not perfect, but we follow the One who is.
If your faith is derailed by the flaws of those with faith, you’re in for a lonely spiritual journey, and you’re in for a disappointing date with the mirror…
You are right. I am a hypocrite, and on some level, I’m OK with that.
