I look out in the world today and see all the influence that is wielded by those in the public eye. Socialites, politicians, entertainers, athletes, and captains of industry. Whereas each of these in their own right are great at what they do, they have taken on the role of prosecutor, judge, and jury for the rest of us, and have been, time and time again, found to do the opposite of what they say.
“28So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.” – Matthew 23:28 (ESV)
Jesus is speaking to the people and the disciples to say that they must be careful to view the Pharisees in the grand positive light they appear to be in. They may be talking a good game and showing a righteous way, when in fact that is only for show and when looking inward at the lives they lead they are less than the picture of righteousness.
I have witnessed on too many occasions those in the public eye telling me one thing and then getting “caught” doing the opposite. And when “caught” there is a long period of “explaining” what was seen away as not being true in context.
I will say that I am more inclined to believe the one that is open with their deception and does not try to be something they are not. At least then I know not to get close to or believe what they say as an application for my own way.
I know that I should be following Christ and not concerned with those in the world, but as such, I am looking to fellowship with those of like mindedness, and that is where I get tripped up. Those that appear to be of like mind, and then reveal themselves to be anything but in the actions when they get “caught”.
There was hypocrisy in the times of Jesus and there is hypocrisy today. I have to be diligent in minding where I put my faith in what is right. I should be looking to Christ and how He applies to me inwardly and be sure to bring that inward Christian to the outside for all to see. There must be a better sense in the world of example through actions and less so through our words.
When you are in the world, how much hypocrisy have you been witness? What approach are you taking in your own life? Are you living a life true to Christ inward and outward?
Trevor's Thoughts 