Read: Matthew 15:1-9
This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. Matthew 15:8 KJV
There will be times when we encounter someone in life that has an opinion of the church.
One that is not good.
They feel that the church is being filled with religious hypocrites.
How they talk a good talk but are no better than they are.
Unfortunately, for some in the church this is true.
And it does make it hard for some to believe their life would be any different if they gave their lives to Christ.
The person making the statement agreed with what the Father had told us.
Our Father has made it clear in the Word that He cannot stand hypocrisy.
The same thing that He opposes is being used by people as an excuse not to seek Him.
This is what Jesus said about hypocrisy.
“This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:8,9 KJV).
Jesus even spoke of hypocrisy unto the Pharisees in Matthew 23.
Seven times in this chapter, He called them hypocrites.
They were religious people who were putting on a great show for the people, but God knew their hearts.
He knew what their true desires were.
As He said, “their heart is far from me” (Matthew 15:8 KJV).
They were not close to Him.
The devil takes great delight in letting us profess Christianity as long as we do not practice it.
As Christians we are to make sure our lives honor the One who deserves our total dedication.
He wants the church to be a true reflection of who He is.
As worshippers, He desires us to do so in faith, truth, and love.
He wants all to come and receive the blessings He has in store for them.
A WORD OF PRAYER
Father, as Christians, we must know that hypocrisy is a sin that brings nothing but grief. We are to live a life that truly reflects what You desire for our lives. And we know that it is a life full of faith, truth, and love. That if we want others to know the goodness of Your love, we must exhibit it every day of our lives. Something that can be done when we stay rooted in the Word. Today we decree that hypocrisy no longer has a place in our lives.
In Jesus’ Name We Pray, Amen