An Important Note To Students And Teachers
Suppose we conducted an interview among Christians on the topic of hypocrisy. Suppose we went to some congregations in the South, in the North, in the East, and in the West. Suppose each congregation gave us 45 minutes to distribute a one page request. Suppose the request contained one simple statement: "Give us your understanding of what it means to be a hypocrite or to engage in hypocritical behavior."
How many of those congregations do you think would agree on the concept of hypocrisy? Doubtlessly numerous variations and concerns would be expressed. However, in the basic concept of what hypocrisy is, likely there would be a lot of agreement in congregations of all the regions.
The agreement would center around pretense. A hypocrite would be a man or woman who deliberately pretended to be someone he or she was not. The behavior of the individual would not reflect the true person he/she was. The intent of behaving in a contrasting manner to "the real me" is to deceive. In the common, popular view, the hypocrite is the person who knowingly misrepresents himself/herself. This concept is illustrated by the con artist. He/she seeks to gain personal advantage over others by convincing others he/she is someone he/she is not. By pretending, the con artist gains trust. By abusing trust, the con artist exploits the victim or victims. When the victim realizes the deception, it is too late.
It is disturbing to learn that this was not Jesus' concept of hypocrisy. What Jesus declared to be hypocrisy is often regarded to be a measurement of devout belief in today's congregation. It is possible for Jesus to regard an attitude or commitment to be hypocritical that some congregations consider an expression of devout faith.
Jesus' basic concept of hypocrisy was welded to misrepresenting God, God's word, God's priorities, or God's purposes. The terrifying realization: "the more incorrect my understanding of God is, the more likely I [as a Christian] am to be hypocritical."
As you participate in this study, accept some challenges. (1) Study to learn instead of defending "what I have always thought." (2) Study with a willingness to understand what you may not have considered. (3) Study to think. Do no blindly follow the past. Do not blindly follow these lessons. Think! Think so you can grow in faith! (4) Learn so you can understand Jesus' concept of hypocrisy. When hypocrisy appears in your life or your faith system, eliminate it.
Open your mind to Jesus' teachings. Understand His emphasis. Understand humans' mistakes that frustrated Him. Commit yourself to abandoning the attitudes, perspectives, and behaviors that Jesus classified as hypocritical.
