READING: Exodus 36-38, Matthew 23:1-22
“. . . they don’t practice what they teach”
Matthew 23:3
In more than 35 years of ministry, I’ve heard unbelievers use the excuse of “There are hypocrites in the church” many times. I understand their concern; in fact, I agree with them. I’m sure there were hypocrites in my home church, in both churches I pastored, and in every church where I’ve spoken. Even Jesus had a hypocrite in his group of 12, and we’re not going to do better than He did. Hypocrisy is not new, as today’s reading reminds us.
The Pharisees were religious leaders whose role primarily focused on interpreting matters of the Law. Sometimes they got the interpretation right, and at those times the people were to hear them. The problem was that they did not live up to their own requirements. They made heavy demands of others but would not help them to carry that burden. Even when they did do good, they did it so that others could see them and honor them. Their obedience was thus much more for show than to please God. They made their phylacteries (scripture boxes worn on the forehead and wrist) larger than others, and they lengthened the tassels on their prayer shawls to remind others who they were. They thought they deserved the best seats, the worthiest greetings, and the highest titles. They may have looked more spiritual than others, but they were only hypocrites, “blind guides,” and “blind fools” (Matt. 23:16-17).
It’s easy, of course, to stand with Jesus as He condemned the Pharisees. After all, nobody likes braggers and “show offs.” The problem, though, is that too many of us don’t recognize that we’re often just like them. To be honest, I like recognition as a leader. I’m an introvert, but I’d be lying to say I don’t like the seats in the front of the room. This next admission is difficult to write, but my heart has been so wickedly self-centered at times that I’ve been offended if someone called me by my first name rather than “Dr. Lawless.” The lure of pride is so potent that it sometimes captures us before we ever recognize that we’re walking into its trap.
The heart truly is deceitful (Jer. 17:9). At least, mine is. Sometimes, if others truly knew our heart, we would be the hypocrites of whom non-believers speak. God help us.
ACTION STEPS:
- Consider whether you are ever driven by a desire for recognition. If so, confess and repent.
- Choose today to shun any kind of “play acting.” Be a genuine follower of Christ.
PRAYER: “God, I need your help. Help me to see myself as I truly am, and fall at Your feet.”
TOMORROW'S READING: Exodus 39-40, Matthew 23:23-39
