Hypocrisy, the Unconscious Sin

"Gladly we desire to make other men perfect, but we will not amend our own fault." - Thomas a Kempis

Hypocrisy is something we can do without knowing that we are doing it. Think of it as a curtain or shade that blocks the view our own evil actions, yet still allows us to point the finger of condemnation at others. Of course, it can occur unintentionally, but seriously, we humans can be pretty good at fooling ourselves.

With hypocrisy, if we do something sinful, we tend to forget about it. But all the alarms are sounded if we see someone else doing the same thing! Even sadder is that we make no connection that we are guilty of the same sin. Sin is sin no matter how it is heated up and served.

Our human character, being weak and pliable as it is, is easily converted into a dishonest, insincere mess. We might even find displeasure in, or be resentful of, others who do the same thing. So what do we do? We self-justify our hypocrisy by calling out the perceived hypocrisy of others (Luke 6:42).

Two basic elements fuel the sin of hypocrisy: human weakness and self-deception. I think about the child who sneaks a cookie from the cookie jar when no else is looking. He thinks he got away with something because no one saw him do it. And that is where many find themselves with the sin of hypocrisy.

In reality, it is foolish to think we are getting away with something. But, I think you know where I am going with this. In Paradise Lost, John Milton's epic 17th century poem in blank verse, he wrote this about hypocrisy, "For neither man nor angel can discern hypocrisy, the only evil that walks invisible, except to God alone."  

There is no hiding our actions from God. Hypocrisy may be a smoke screen for our own sin, but God's eyes can peer right into our very hearts (Jeremiah 17:10). We should never accept sin, especially in our own lives. However, be aware that it can creep into your life at any time. Now's a great time to do a heart check for hypocrisy! You'll be glad you did!

Scripture: Galatians 6:3; Job 8:13; Matthew 6:1; Titus 1:16; 1 Peter 2:1

Prayer: “Lord God, give me such love for you and for others that it will blot out all hatred and bitterness.”  by Dietrich Bonhoeffer


Have a blessed Monday!

Hailey