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Talking, but not Walking

We are all aware of people who talk Christianity but do not walk it. In other words, their lives do not reflect what they say. Jesus said it this way:

Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean. (Matthew 23:25, 26)

Probably, the greatest criticism of Christianity today is the hypocrisy of the “Christians.” It is amazing how easy it is to recognize hypocrisy in others and not recognize it in ourselves.

I do not know if George Gallup has conducted a poll on hypocrites. If so, I do not have access to his figures. So I will guess the results. These are imaginary figures. Since I am imagining, I will take a sample of 100% of the population.

Q: What percentage of people are hypocrites?
A: 70% (Average answer.)
Q: Are you a hypocrite?
A: No! (Average answer.)

From the two questions in one poll we find out that 70% of the population is hypocritical and that 0% are hypocritical. I have yet to meet a person who thinks that he himself is a hypocrite.

I would like to draw your attention to 1 John 1: 6, 8, and 10:

If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth…. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us…. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.

While we are at it, here is another:

Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. (1 John 2:6)

And another:

Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness. (1 John 2:9)

I will end with these two sentences and then encourage you to read 1 John, all five chapters.

The Lord knows those who are his,” and “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness. (2 Timothy 2:19)

Are you a hypocrite?

You can contact me by calling (208) 883-0997 or by sending an email to ccm@moscow.com. Our website address is http://ccmbooks.org.

(Taken from Good News/Bad News)

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