Am I a Hypocrite?

As human beings, we often find it easy to judge and condemn others. At one time or another, we may have commented, “Ugh, that person is such a hypocrite!”

But have we ever asked ourselves, “Am I a hypocrite?”

The New Indonesian Bible Translation records 26 uses of the word hypocrite, and how God hates hypocrisy. The question is, what does a hypocrite actually look like? What are the marks of hypocrisy according to God’s Word?

Characteristics of a Hypocrite

1. Quick to see other people’s faults, but blind to one’s own

“How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me remove the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the beam in your own eye? You hypocrite, first remove the beam from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye." – Luke 6:42

The Lord Jesus often rebuked the Pharisees and the teachers of the law because they were so skilled at noticing the small faults of others. They questioned why Jesus’ disciples did not fast. Why did the disciples not wash their hands before eating? Why did Jesus break the rules by healing the sick (working) on the Sabbath?

Yet they forgot to look within themselves. Were they already “clean”? As clean as the standard they expected from others?

What about us? Are we quick to see other people’s faults but forget to examine ourselves?

2. Doing things to be seen by people

“So when you give to the needy, do not announce it, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by people. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full." – Matthew 6:2

“Everything they do is done so that people may see them." – Matthew 23:5

Our Lord is a God who cares more about motivation than mere action. It is good if we are generous, but the reason we give is far more important than what or how much we give. God sees our hearts beyond our outward actions.

Why do we do what we do? Is it for God, or to be praised by people? When we choose to do something so that others will see us, we have already become hypocrites.

3. Looking good on the outside, but inside, who knows?

“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look clean on the outside, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all kinds of uncleanness. In the same way, on the outside you appear righteous to people, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness." – Matthew 23:27-28

Many people are wrapped in a cover that looks good and spiritual. But what is the true condition of our hearts?

Are you diligent in ministry, yet keep on sinning as smoothly as driving on a toll road? Perhaps you are active and respected in the church, but do you guard purity in dating? You may speak sweetly when you meet the congregation on Sunday, but how do you speak to your parents, children, or friends in everyday life?

Do what you do and think when you are alone remain as holy as the image you create in front of other people?

4. Trapped in routine, but forgetting what matters most

“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your mint, dill, and cumin, but you have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. These you ought to have done without neglecting the others." – Matthew 23:23

The Pharisees and the teachers of the law were respected and intelligent people. Here were their qualities: they memorized Scripture, kept the 10 commandments, had daily devotions and prayer, and regularly paid tithes. They were very spiritual, it could be said perfect in carrying out spiritual routines. Yet Jesus rebuked them because they forgot the more important things: justice, mercy, and faithfulness.

Every day we may be busy working and serving. And yes, that is good. God commands us to use every talent He has given us. But do not forget that there are things more important. Carrying out church churchly duties is good, but do not neglect our responsibilities to God and to others.

Do you find any of the marks above in yourself? If so, let us repent, because God hates hypocrites.

“If yes, then say: yes, if no, then say: no. Anything more than this comes from the evil one.” – Matthew 5:37

* Church GKDI is currently in 35 cities. We have Bible Study activities in every area. If you need information or would like to get involved, contact us at contact Church GKDI Official: WhatsApp 0821 2285 8686 or Facebook / Instagram GKDI Official

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