Hypocrisy, especially in the house of worship
My Pastor gave us a lovely sermon about hypocrisy, especially among the body of God. Although hypocrisy is quite common among mankind, it is particularly harmful when it comes from within the walls of the church institution that people rely upon to receive the teachings of our Christ Lord. The main passage of scripture was taken from Luke 13:10-17. Jesus healed a lady on the Sabbath who had been crippled by an evil spirit and suffered for 18 years.
14 “But the leader in charge of the synagogue was indignant that Jesus had healed her on the Sabbath day.” Jesus responded. 15 But the Lord replied, “You hypocrites! Each of you works on the Sabbath day! Don’t you untie your ox or your donkey from its stall on the Sabbath and lead it out for water? 16 This dear woman, a daughter of Abraham, has been held in bondage by Satan for eighteen years. Isn’t it right that she be released, even on the Sabbath?”
This illustrates the message of Hypocrisy in the established houses of worship even today, during our lifetimes. All people break God’s commandments either intentionally or not, so we must not point a finger at others who do the same. All sin and fall short of the glory of God, but not all confess their sins and shortcomings as they criticize the wrongs of others, including yours truly.
Do you lie? Have you cheated? Do you have evil or sinful thoughts about others? Do you commit adultery, fornication, or drunkenness, show fits of anger or rage? Who among you is without sin according to the righteousness of God? If you sin and do not confess your sins to God, then to God you are a hypocrite.
Yes, there is a cure for our sins written in 1 John 1:9, but this message today is more about those who are in the position of leading the people of God, as was pointed out in the scripture that Jesus was making when He revealed this fallacy in scripture.
Our medical doctors take an oath called the Hippocratic Oath. We use it more commonly as a hypocritical oath, which refers to taking a solemn pledge that one does not truly believe in or have any intention of following. It is a contradiction between words and actions. Again, this practice is very common amongst mankind, but let’s still keep the focus upon those who are entrusted with keeping the body of God edified.
Since people come into their houses of worship thinking the clergy truly speaks for God, it is an abomination for them, particularly to deceive the people. Preaching the word of God that you do not practice is one thing, but to do so and attempt to lie to God is another.
Jesus pointed out this practice to shame those who called themselves God’s servants, so perhaps we could all see fault in ourselves. Although I say I believe in God and wish to spread messages that seem to come from Him but am I really a hypocrite, only telling you good-sounding words that I do not practice?
Just to be clear, I am a sinner fully confessed to God. I do not always follow the commandments that God expects of me. I try to share my shortcomings as well in my messages because all of us sin. Christ knows that and only asks that we confess our sins, which will be forgiven once our hearts are repentant. Yes, I too sin, and yes, I too know to confess my sins to God and seek His forgiveness.
I am not saying every clergyman should openly confess their sins to the congregations, but they should all do so unto God so they do not hamper the faith entrusted upon them. God already knows the truth. If they are ordained by God, then He will forgive them of all unrighteousness and free them to do His works. That is what the word of God says. The word of God is our authority. However, not all people who claim to be the clergy, who call themselves servants of Christ, Lord, are righteous in God’s eyes. This was pointed out in this passage of scripture written in Luke 13.
Even though I attempt to walk daily in the spirit of God, I am not always able to do what I hope to do. Your pledge is to God alone and not to the people of earth. God alone knows all your sins, and He alone can forgive them. You are free to believe in the word of God as it comes to you through the clergy, but the authority is the Spirit of God and not always the people from whom the messages come to you.
Your wicked leaders, preachers, and those in power for themselves will be compensated for what they do against the righteousness of God. Go to God in prayer frequently, but pray up, especially when you go into your worship practices and places. Make sure the Spirit of God watches over your hearts and minds, protecting you from the evil spirits or people that seek to deceive you, either intentionally or not. Remember, we are all sinners made righteous through the grace of God. You will know the truth, and the Truth, which is the Spirit of God, will make you free. To almighty God be the glory. Selah!