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 (NIV)
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 family, Carolyn works as an
insurance representative, serves in Oakwood Church as a Community Group leader
and a High School home group leader.
