Will the Real You Please Stand Up?
By Carolyn Hulliberger
“You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside…but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.”
Matthew 23:27b-28
If four people who know you from completely different areas of your life were asked to describe YOU…would they describe the same person?
Don’t blow through the question here. For instance, if the bank clerk, your employer, your neighbor, and your best friend, were all asked to describe the person they know you to be, would their descriptions be in line with each other?
Here’s another question: If your mom, daughter, or minister were to read your text messages, chat room exchanges, browsing history, and emails, would they line up with the person you portray to them?
“Hypocrite” is a really ugly word in our English language, full of negative connotation. Webster’s says a hypocrite is “a person who acts in contradiction to his or her stated beliefs.” Synonyms include “pretender” and “deceiver.” Ouch! But the fact is, if you or I claim to believe and act one way in church or at home, but an aspect of our life contradicts those beliefs, we are fulfilling the definition of…a hypocrite.
Jesus despises hypocrisy. He showed kindness and compassion for those who were caught in sin, while He rebuked the religious hypocrites of His day. He wants us to be single-minded, with a faith that is genuine and that is lived out in every arena of our lives and relationships. By no means is this an easy task. Sometimes, living out faith in Christ is hardest with those closest to us. Others struggle with the lure of secrecy and anonymity that the internet can provide.
I like how The Message puts how we should respond to the temptation of being “double-minded.” Consider these words from James 4:7-10: “So let God work His will in you. Yell a loud ‘no’ to the devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet ‘yes’ to God and He'll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it's the only way you'll get on your feet.”
GOING DEEPER:
1. Is there an area of your life (work, friends, school, perhaps?) where Christ is not being honored in how you act? Pray for strength to make changes in that area.
2. If the internet is a problem for you, consider a technology fast. Replace tech time with prayer. Get an accountability partner to help encourage you.
FURTHER READING:
Along with caring for her husband and two children, Carolyn works as an insurance representative, serves in Oakwood Church’s Student Ministries with an awesome group of junior high girls, and is the treasurer for Women’s Ministries.
