Are You A Hypocrite?

“And He said to them, ‘Rightly did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written:

This people honors Me with their lips,

But their heart is far away from Me.

But in vain do they worship Me,

Teaching as doctrines the precepts of men.

Neglecting the commandments of God, you hold to the traditions of men.’”

Mark 7:6-8

Before this passage, the Pharisees were criticizing Jesus’ disciples because they were eating with unwashed hands. Jesus point to them and called them hypocrites. He told them that they honor Him with their actions, but their hearts were full of sin.

Then I had to ask myself, in what ways am I a hypocrite?

When I pray before I eat, am I doing it to actually thank God, or am I doing it because it’s the “Christian” thing to do?

When I obey my parents, am I fully submitting  myself to their God-given authority, or am I obeying them in deed, but rebelling in my heart?

When I sing songs in church, am I truly worshipping God? Or am I thinking about where we’re going to lunch?

The list could go on.

Sisters, what ways are YOU a hypocrite? I’ve known people who talk about God, Scripture, and such, but who are living in rebellion against God. Their lifestyles negate the words they speak.

Hypocrisy ruins ministry.

How do you avoid being a hypocrite?

1.      Pray

2.      Read your Bible

3.      Apply what you read

4.      Ask someone who knows you well to inform you of any hypocrisy in your life

5.      Humbly receive correction

To some degree, we all are hypocrites. We know most of the “right” answers, and we’re quick to point out the faults of others. But how quickly do we notice and strive to change those same faults in our own lives?

If you see hypocrisy in your life, it’s not too late. God can turn your life around and open your eyes to the sin in your own life that you previously missed.

Do you see hypocrisy in your life? What are some ways that you want to try to fix that? Share in the comments!