Hypocrites—I cannot think of anyone who has ever approved of them. I’ve never crossed the path of someone who affirmed that when he was young, he wanted to grow up to be a hypocrite. It hasn’t happened, and I do not expect that it will. There seems to be universal agreement that hypocrisy is wrong, unacceptable and sinful. Yet, hypocrisy is still with us. Yes, hypocrisy is a strong force as it destroys those about us (Proverbs 11:9). It may even be the immediate cause that bars others from entrance into the kingdom of God (Matthew 23:13). Hypocrisy deprives us of the approval of the Lord (Matthew 23:14-15, 33) and restrains the mercy of God as an operative force in our lives (Isaiah 9:13-17). The wrath of God is activated and applied when hypocrisy is unchecked (Isaiah 9:17b; Matthew 23:13ff). The valid hope of faithful children of God is made destitute when we stand as unrepentant hypocrites before the Lord (Job 8:11-14; 20:4-7; 27:8). May each of us courageously heed the admonition of Peter and therefore lay aside all hypocrisies (1 Peter 2:1). Any other course is too costly. May we as well possess the courage to change our attitudes that encourage hypocrisy and thus take us away from the path of God.
