Nothing is more unjust, however common, than to charge with hypocrisy him that expresses zeal for those virtues which he neglects to practice; since he may be sincerely convinced of the advantages of conquering his passions, without having yet obtained the victory, as a man may be confident of the advantages of a voyage, or a journey, without having courage or industry to undertake it, and may honestly recommend to others, those attempts which he neglects himself. — Samuel Johnson
Jesus warns “against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.” (Luke 12:1, NIV) Jesus says the Pharisees pretend to love God. He says they “take away the key to knowledge” (Luke 11:52) and “load people down with burdens they can hardly carry.” (Luke 11:46) Then, Jesus reminds,”What is said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what is whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.” (Luke 12:3)
Jesus assures that “whoever acknowledges [Him] before men” — whether publicly or privately — “the Son of Man will also acknowledge him before the angels of God. But he who disowns [Jesus] before men” — whether privately or publicly — “will be disowned before the angels of God.” (Luke 12:8-9)
Jesus tells we who are Christians not to worry about “what [we] will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach [us] at that time what [we] should say.” (Luke 12:11-12) That time may be public or private, during accusation or conversation.
Hypocrisy is not failing to practice our beliefs; it is pretending to believe.
Heavenly Father, help us to acknowledge Jesus Christ always as Lord and Savior, Healer and Coming King. In Your Son’s Name, amen.
obsecrations 