Category: Hypocrisy

Talking Our Walk

Do you remember the Bangles’ 1986 hit song “Walk Like an Egyptian”? It’s a fun, catchy, and slightly silly tune referencing ancient Egyptian tomb paintings. Most people who grew up in the 80’s will automatically strike a pose when they hear the song. No one has to tell them to put one arm in front of them bent at 90 degrees with a palm down and the other arm behind them bent at 90 degrees with the palm facing up. 

For followers of Jesus, learning to walk like Him takes a bit more practice. As the Holy Spirit guides us and we study Scripture, believers continually learn the nuances of walking in the ways of our Lord and Savior. That’s why we’ve been marching through Ephesians 4 this summer–to discover how Jesus calls His followers to live. Inspired by Paul’s urging for believers to live worthy of their calling (Ephesians 4:1), we’ve spent time examining specific ways we can honor God with our thoughts, actions, and words. Paul covers a range of topics in a few pithy sentences. His brevity makes the weight of his words even more powerful.

Let’s continue our journey through Ephesians by examining the next few verses: “So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. And ‘don’t sin by letting anger control you.’ Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil…Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” (Ephesians 4:25-27 & 29, NLT)

Three of the topics involve how we communicate verbally. They seem especially relevant in our culture today.

1) Lies: It seems obvious to point out that believers shouldn’t lie, but there are many socially acceptable ways that we rationalize being untruthful. For example, lying seems like a quick and easy way to make an excuse declining a request or an invitation. It’s also tempting to lie if it will save a few dollars (like getting a discount when there’s an age limit or requirement). Sometimes we avoid the truth because it’s uncomfortable to admit and telling a lie just feels safer and easier in the moment. Lying has become so expected in our culture that people are often surprised when they encounter someone who is honest. So, being truthful sets us apart from the world. And even if no one notices, it honors the Lord by demonstrating obedience to Him and respect for His Word.

2) Anger: Feeling angry isn’t a sin, it’s what we do with it that matters. Jesus displayed righteous anger when he cleared the temple (see Mark 11:15-17). Many other godly people focused their anger for good– leading them to bring justice or to eradicate sinful practices. The problem with anger comes when we use it to justify destructive and hateful behavior. While anger may feel merited when we’ve been wronged, an emotionally charged reaction escalates the situation and gives the enemy an opening to magnify negativity and wreak havoc. Pausing before reacting in the moment allows time to take a breath and pray for wisdom. Instead of embroiling us in heated emotion and making the situation worse, a godly response diffuses tension and brings peace.

The directive not to let the sun go down while we’re still angry means that we don’t allow it to take control of our minds and amplify hateful thoughts. Simmering anger becomes like yeast in bread—it grows with time. Nursing our anger leads us to retaliation, bitterness, and withholding forgiveness–actions that are the opposite of Jesus’ teaching.

3) Language: The words that flow from our mouths reveal the state of our hearts (Matthew 15:17-19). This passage explains what language believers should avoid (foul and abusive) and what language they should use instead (helpful and encouraging).  Paul provides additional clarification on this later in Ephesians: “Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.” (Ephesians 5:4, NIV) 

Foul language has become pervasive in our culture. We’ve been desensitized by hearing it used frequently in media and by public figures. Because humans are prone to social contagion, we unconsciously mirror what we see and hear. The prevalence of swear words and harsh language used in casual conversation has become commonplace, even among followers of Jesus. Choosing to be intentional about preventing obscene and foul language from polluting our vocabularies sets us apart from the world. Being deliberate about speaking words of encouragement, kindness, and gratitude differentiates us and shows we’re walking in a manner worthy of our calling as followers of Jesus.

Have you allowed the world to influence the way you talk? Consider spending time with the Lord and inviting Him to search your heart and show you any behaviors, tendencies, or vocabulary that you need to confess. Let His cleansing mercy free you to walk unfettered by sin and to live worthy of your calling. 

Embrace Paul’s wisdom in Ephesians: “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” (Ephesians 5:15-17, NIV)  Walking like Jesus means talking in ways that honor Him and differ from the world. Let’s commit to speaking in a way that reflects who we are in Christ.

Now, just for fun, here’s the song that inspired the idea of walking in a distinct manner. Click here and enjoy “Walk Like an Egyptian” by the Bangles.

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The GOAT Part 10: Judgement

Bobbing on the ocean’s surface, I listened as the surf instructor reminded me what to do. Standing waist-deep in the water, he shoved my board ahead of a swell and began shouting “Paddle! Paddle! Now stand up!” With one swift motion I pushed myself from my chest to my feet and found my balance as the board moved towards the shore. After years of wanting to learn, it was a thrill to surf in the warm waters of Kauai that day. The long board, low waves, and help from a knowledgeable teacher were key ingredients for success.

As much as I loved the experience, you won’t find me riding the waves in my home state of California anytime soon. There are many aspects of the sport that intimidate me, but the main one is that I’m not an “insider.” There is a whole culture and unwritten code of conduct in the world of surfing. A newbie who doesn’t know better is sure to get a tongue-lashing from locals who don’t appreciate a “kook” messing up their surf session. (Yes, surfers have their own brand of slang and terminology too.)

Of course, surf culture isn’t the only place where “outsiders” may be intimidated to dive in–many people who don’t attend church view it with the same hesitation. There are aspects of our faith that attract them, but much of Christian culture is such a turn-off that they aren’t willing to risk engaging in it.

I’ve had a unique opportunity to spend time weekly with a group of women who once considered themselves “newbies” to exploring faith. When we started meeting, some had church backgrounds but lacked biblical knowledge, while others were discovering the Christian faith for the first time. Regardless of their levels of experience, two things held them back from seeking answers to their spiritual questions before joining our group: hypocrisy and judgment. Most had at least one negative experience with a “churchy” person that had tainted their perspective of God and the Church as a whole.

These honest women have given me an “outsider’s” view into Christian sub-culture. For most of them, our group was the first time they felt safe to ask questions without fearing judgment or criticism. That is why Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount are so striking to me:

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” (Matthew 7:1-5, NIV)

Judging people labels and categorizes them, diminishing their value and dismissing them based on outward characteristics or actions. Many Christians are quick to let the sinful behaviors and attitudes of non-believers deter them from engaging in relationships. Most people tend to gravitate toward others who think and act like them and who agree with their views. This only compounds the problem. It’s so much easier to judge a person for things we see on the surface than to take time to develop a friendship and to discover what influences and worldviews have impacted their perspectives.

Judging people creates a barrier that prevents opportunities for deeper relationships. It intimidates others and often causes Christians to appear self-righteous. Judging others also puts us in a position of superiority that stands in opposition to humility. It causes us to hide our sins and weaknesses for the sake of pride, making us hypocrites in the process.

Jesus gave us the perfect model for engaging others with love. He took time to get to know people in all stations in life–even the worst sinners. His harshest words were directed not towards obvious “sinners” but toward the most self-righteous and superior people He encountered: the Pharisees.

The next time you’re tempted to make a quick judgment about someone, stop and think first. What factors might be contributing to their actions and attitudes? Examine your heart and ask God to help you see the person as He sees them. Make time to understand them before being so quick to dismiss them.

And to be clear, there is a place for using discernment to hold other believers accountable for their sins. James 5:19-20 explains, “My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.” Helping another believer recognize his or her sin needs to be done in the context of a caring relationship. This isn’t judging someone–it’s loving them enough to point them away from the destructiveness of sin and back to God. How we handle non-believers is different. We shouldn’t introduce them to our faith by pointing out their sin: “What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside.” (1 Corinthians 5:12-13a, NIV)

Let’s strive to be more like my surf instructor– coming alongside people patiently and helping them to discover the tremendous joy found through a relationship with Jesus.  When we begin with love and encouragement, they may eventually trust us enough to let us address the areas in their lives that need transformation. And there won’t be any need to judge.

Let’s never forget that God gave us grace when we deserved judgment. May the song “Grace Wins” by Matthew West remind you of this foundational truth and motivate you to share His grace with others. Click here to watch.

This post complements the sermon series at CPC Danville. Click here to watch The GOAT Part 10.

The GOAT Part 7: Hypocrisy

No one respects a hypocrite. For Christians, it’s hard to watch fellow believers put on a show of faith that turns out to be hollow and heartless. For non-Christians, it’s one of the biggest deterrents to following Jesus.

This week we come to a portion in the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus teaches on righteousness and shows the difference between performing for others and following the Lord authentically. He addresses three ways to practice righteousness and tells what they do and don’t include. As Jesus describes giving, praying, and fasting, His message is clear: don’t be a hypocrite. He’s not interested in people who put on masks like actors and pretend to be holy, He wants hearts that are truly devoted to following Him.

Giving: Jesus starts this section talking about giving: “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:1-4, NIV)

Jesus’ point here is that we should give without getting noticed. The purpose of sharing our resources with those in need isn’t to show how good or generous we are. It isn’t to get our name in a program or on a plaque, it’s to meet a felt need. 

Let’s pause to clarify something–giving to the needy is an expected part of living a righteous life. Scripture includes so many passages about the importance of giving, it’s hard to highlight just a few: “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-7, NIV)

“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” (James 2:14-17, NIV)

Are you giving your resources to ministries and organizations that care for and bless others? If so, are you doing it quietly or with fanfare? Do you only give when it benefits you–like getting a tax write off or recognition from others? Follow Jesus’ lead and let your secret giving show your sincere desire to love God, obey His commands, and pursue righteousness.

Praying: Jesus continues His teaching by instructing us to pray without performing: “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” (Matthew 6:5-8, NIV)

Praying to impress others with our spirituality does nothing to enhance our relationship with the Lord. Authentic prayer enables us to draw near to God and cultivate an intimate relationship with Him. The Lord knows what we need, but still invites us to spend time with Him and bring our requests to Him. Seeking Him in prayer demonstrates humility, shows our trust in Him, and strengthens our personal relationship with Him. 

Fasting: Jesus addresses the spiritual practice of fasting by telling His followers not to make a show out it: “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:16-18, NIV)

While many of us don’t fast regularly as a spiritual discipline, we can still have the tendency to make a show of other spiritual activities we do. Sometimes we want to make sure people know how much we’re serving or giving our time for the benefit of others. We slip our resumé of service and credentials into conversations hoping others will be impressed. Some of us act like martyrs, believing our contributions are indispensable and that everything would fall apart if we weren’t involved. Scripture tells us that God prepares good works in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:10), so be sure to give God the credit for anything good He leads you to do.

And, if you’ve never tried fasting before, take it into consideration. Going without food for a period of time can be an incredible conduit to prayer. Hunger pains remind us of our need for God and lead us to draw near to Him. This is an especially powerful practice if you want to focus your prayers on a specific concern. You can learn more about fasting by clicking here.

In his classic devotional My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald Chambers advises: “At least once a week examine yourself before God to see if your life is measuring up to the standard He has for you. Paul was like a musician who gives no thought to audience approval, if he can only catch a look of approval from his Conductor…My worth to God in public is what I am in private. Is my master ambition to please Him and be acceptable to Him, or is it something less, no matter how noble?” Whether you’re giving, praying, or fasting, remember you are performing for an audience of One.

Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald Chambers Publications Association Ltd., March 17 entry.

This post is based on Tyler Scott’s sermon at CPC Danville “The GOAT Part 7.” Click here to watch.

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Strangers Here- 1 Peter 1:13-25

Walking onto the high school campus that first day, I’d never felt more out of place. There was nothing I could do to blend in with the crowd or appear as if I belonged.  The color of my skin simply wouldn’t allow for it.

Although I’d been studying at a large university just ten miles away, the section of the city where I would be student teaching was a world apart.  I had no frame of reference to connect with the kids and I was profoundly aware of my status as an outsider. Although we lived in the same city, our cultures, past times, clothing, food, slang terms, and world views were completely different.

I knew my students were wary of me, but also a little curious. The chance to interact with someone from my background didn’t happen for them very often. And I knew that if I wanted to become a good teacher, I had to figure out how we could connect.

Over the course of my semester student teaching, I struggled to balance the tension of being an outsider while trying to engage with the kids in my classes.  Not all of them responded to my efforts, but by the end of the year, I had given them all I had to offer. I’d learned about myself and had grown as a teacher in the process.  I think those who gave me a chance learned a few things too.

I thought about that experience recently as I read the section of First Peter where Christians are admonished to live as strangers in the world.  Each translation of 1 Peter 1:17 says it a little differently, but the combination of several of them gives a complete picture:

“Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear.”  (NIV, italics added for emphasis)

“And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile.”  (ESV, italics added for emphasis)

“And remember that the heavenly Father to whom you pray has no favorites. He will judge or reward you according to what you do. So you must live in reverent fear of him during your time here as ‘temporary residents.’” (NLT, italics added for emphasis)

Living as an outsider, a foreigner, an exile, or a temporary resident should not be a new concept to anyone who follows Jesus.  If we’re serious about being set apart for God, we won’t blend in with those who embrace worldly perspectives. Our focus on living biblically will inform our worldview, actions, choices and attitudes. We’ll hold loosely to this world because we know better things are yet to come.

Striking the delicate balance of remaining an outsider while finding connecting points with non-believers is key. Just like I had to find common ground with my students to earn their trust and respect, we must do the same to share the hope of Jesus with others.  As we seek ways to be culturally relevant, we must also be careful to live “in reverent fear,” recognizing that our love for God means not participating in behaviors that would dishonor Him.  It can be a tricky balance at times.  Peter gives clear instructions on this:

“Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do.” (1 Peter 1:13-14, NIV)

Here’s what strikes me in this passage:

-We need to remain clear thinking in all situations.  No matter what people or circumstances we encounter, we should view them through the lens of God’s grace. Our hope is in Him, not in being liked or accepted by others. When dealing with non-believers, we should strive to be a greater influence on them than they are on us.

-We need to remain obedient to God, regardless of what others choose.  If we are in situations where people are embracing sin, we need to remember we no longer live “in ignorance” as they do.  When we have the chance to shed light on sinful perspectives and behaviors that people aren’t aware of, we need to speak up with gentleness and respect. The enemy uses many methods to lie to those in our culture.  We need to pray, asking God to give us words of wisdom and grace to share with those who are being misled because they don’t know any better.

-We need to remain holy and set apart in our actions and attitudes, but not in our proximity to non-believers.  Living in a closed-off Christian bubble and looking down on the world around us is not the point of this verse. We are strangers here for a season, so that we can share Christ with the fallen world that desperately needs His saving grace.

Living as a stranger makes some of us weary. For others, it causes us to feel like we’re missing out.  If you identify with either of these things, click on the link and be encouraged by “Strangers Here” by Tenth Avenue North.

 

An Outsider’s View of Judgment and Hypocrisy- Sermon on the Mount Part 8

The next time you’re tempted to make a quick judgment on someone, take a moment to stop and think first.

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Bobbing on the ocean’s surface, I listened as the surf instructor reminded me what to do. Together we squinted towards the horizon, scanning for the next set of waves to roll in. Standing waist-deep in the water, he prepared me for my first ride before shouting with glee, “Ok, here we go!” With a shove of the board, he pushed me in front of the swell and began shouting “Paddle! Paddle! Now stand up!” With one swift motion I pushed myself from my chest to my feet and steadied myself as the board moved towards the shore. After years of wanting to learn, it was a thrill to surf in the warm waters of Kauai that day. The long board, low waves and encouragement from a knowledgeable teacher were key ingredients for success.

As much as I loved the experience, you won’t find me riding the waves off the California coast anytime soon. There are many aspects of the sport that intimidate me, but the main one is that I’m not an “insider.” I’ve learned through listening to family members and friends that there is a whole culture and code of conduct in the world of surfing. There are unwritten rules about who surfs what beaches and who has first dibs to drop in on a wave. A newbie who doesn’t know better is sure to get a tongue-lashing from locals who don’t appreciate a “kook” messing up their surf session. (Yes, surfers have their own brand of slang and terminology too.)

For me, the act of riding the waves was hard enough. I couldn’t have done it without the help of my instructor.  Adding the unwritten rules within surf culture makes it far too intimidating to be enjoyable for me. If you’ve never surfed before, you’re probably nodding your head in agreement. But if you know the thrill of riding a wave, you might think I’m crazy for letting surf etiquette keep me from continuing to learn.

What if I told you that many people outside of the church view Christian culture the same way? There are aspects of it that attract them (that whole promise of eternal life isn’t so bad, after all). But there are so many parts that intimidate them that they aren’t willing to risk engaging in Christian community.

For the past few years I’ve had a unique opportunity to spend time weekly with a group of women who considered themselves “newbies” to exploring faith. Some had a church background but lacked Biblical knowledge while others were discovering the Christian faith for the first time. Regardless of their levels of experience, two things held them back from seeking answers to their spiritual questions: hypocrisy and judgment. Most had at least one negative experience with a “churchy” person that had tainted their perspective of God and the Church as a whole.

I’ve learned a lot from this group of women as we’ve continued to meet and study the Bible together. They have given me an “outsider’s” view into the Christian sub-culture. For most of them, our group was the first time they felt safe to ask questions without fearing judgment or criticism. That is why Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount are so striking to me:

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” (Matthew 7:1-5, NIV)

Judging people labels and categorizes them, diminishing their value and dismissing them based on outward flaws. Many Christians are quick to let the sinful behaviors and attitudes of non-believers deter them from engaging in relationships. It’s so much easier to judge a person for things we see on the surface than to take time to develop a friendship and to discover what influences and worldviews have impacted their perspectives.

Judging people creates a barrier that prevents opportunity for deeper relationships. It intimidates others and often causes us to appear self-righteous. Judging others also puts us in a position of superiority that stands in opposition to humility. It causes us to hide our sins and weaknesses for the sake of pride, making us hypocrites in the process.

Jesus gave us the perfect model for engaging others with love. He took time to get people in all stations in life–even the worst sinners. His harshest words were directed not towards “sinners” but toward the most self-righteous and superior people He encountered, the Pharisees.

The next time you’re tempted to make a quick judgment on someone, take a moment to stop and think first. What factors might be contributing to their actions and attitudes? Examine your heart and ask God to help you see the person as He sees them. Make time to understand them before being so quick to dismiss them.

There is a place for using discernment to hold people accountable for their sins, once we’ve made things right within ourselves and with God. However, this needs to be done in the context of a loving caring relationship, not as a snap judgment. (See James 5:19-20 for more on this.)

Let’s strive to be more like my surf instructor– coming alongside people patiently and helping them to discover the tremendous joy found through a relationship with Jesus.   When we begin with love and encouragement, they may eventually trust us enough to let us address the areas in their lives that need transformation. And there won’t be any need to judge.

Let’s never forget that God gave us grace when we deserved judgment. May the song “Call it Grace” by Unspoken remind you of this foundational truth and motivate you to share it with others.

Continue reading “An Outsider’s View of Judgment and Hypocrisy- Sermon on the Mount Part 8”