Too often I find myself brooding over what I perceive as a lack of reciprocation in the actions that I have taken in life. It seems as though I have provided assistance and compassion and guidance for others. Job felt much the same way, and said as much.

“²⁴Yet does not one in a heap of ruins stretch out his hand, and in his disaster cry for help? ²⁵Did not I weep for him whose day was hard? Was not my soul grieved for the needy?” – Job 30:24-25 (ESV)

I feel as though I provide help for those in need, much like Job, and in return I am left in the cold when my time of need arises, as Job does as well.

“²⁶But when I hoped for good, evil came, and when I waited for light, darkness came.” – Job 30:26 (ESV)

I feel abandoned when there is something I need, or have asked for, and do not receive in return. I give and give and serve and serve, only to be left out in the cold when I am in need.

But am I? Man only thinks of himself as it is in our nature to do so. Am I thinking of this all wrong as a man? I should be thinking of how I can glorify God and then look to Him for my reward and the reciprocation on the work that I have done. It really makes no difference what man thinks of the work I have done, I do not do any of it for glory in this world. I don’t know why it matters to me that I receive from this world.

My work serving others is driven by my work for God and therefore the reward I receive is from Him. I need to be looking for light in Him and know that there is no darkness there. I look for good in Him and know that there is no evil there. I look for God and know there is nothing or no one else there to provide for me.

When looking for the reciprocation for the work you have done, where are you looking? Are you seeking the validation from man? What would it be like if you looked to God to light your way?

“³And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.” – Genesis 1:3 (ESV)

And there you have it, after created the heavens and the earth, God created light. I guess I had never really thought about the order of things and how that order plays into scripture. Christ was the light of the world and brought love to all of mankind and just like Christ, I am to be a light for Christ in the world today in all I do.

“⁴And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness.” – Genesis 1:4 (ESV)

“God saw that the light was good”, what a glorious revelation, one that impacts the rest of my view of scripture and my outlook on my life here in this world. God knew good when he saw it and it only stands to reason that He would expand on that goodness and so He brought us Christ as the light of the world.

I am continually amazed at how something that I have read and been aware of for so long can finally hit me as knowledge so much later in life. I have known verses 1-5 of Genesis as long as I have known the bible. And until now, I had not really thought of the impact of those verses on the rest of God’s Word and how it impacts my life.

I am grateful that I have the chance to continue learning each day. I am blessed to have the opportunity to witness and be a part of the goodness that is Jesus Christ. I have been called upon to be a light in this dark world as to the glory of Christ and bring His bright light to those in the dark. I cannot hide that light under a basket. It is my task as assigned by God to let my light shine and be sure that I am making it visible to the rest of the world.

“¹⁹Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing the in the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit, ²⁰teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” – Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV)

When you go out, are you the light to those around you? What actions are you taking to be that light? Are you carrying out the good light as God identified when the world began?

“²Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by I you may grow up into salvation—³if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.” – 1 Peter 2:2-3 (ESV)

This morning as I wrap up my study of the word “hypocrisy” for now, I was brought to this passage in 1 Peter, where the text is titled, “A Living Stone and a Holy People”. In the first few verses, he indicates that we should be “like newborn infants”. I was reminded that when we become a “new” born again Christian, we are starting over and need to learn, just like the newborn infant.

Newborns know nothing and only “desire for nourishment that will lead to growth” (NIV Commentary, verses 2 & 3). They are reliant on simply receiving that which they need to live and grow bigger, stronger, and knowing. They are not sure what it is they need to know, only receive all that comes and apply it to situations as they see examples of when they learned.

Why is it that we are not like the newborn and feel as though we already know all there is to know?

“¹So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander.” – 1 Peter 2:1 (ESV)

And there it is, the why. I forget that as adults, we are in it not for the knowledge and growth and learning, but for how it will benefit me and how I can use it against others. You see that Peter addresses it clearly by writing that we should “put away” such things and become “like a newborn infant”. I have to remember that as a child of God, I really don’t know anything and as such, when I do learn of it, I should apply it as I see examples of when I learned.

And where should I be learning, God’s Word and those that are mature in His Word, just as a parent providing examples for the immature child. I do not know and when I learn, I am still not mature enough to know how to use what I learn. I have to be willing and take the action to put away the selfish desires of me and look to how I can use this newfound knowledge for the enhancement of the gospel and of Christ in the world I am in.

I am even at almost 50 years old, just a child of God and I should be looking to Him as my example of what right looks like as I do the work He has for me.

Have you been acting “like a newborn infant”? What things have you learned and are applying to your life in a selfish manner to only be better than those around you? What if you “put away” all of that and applied your learning to the your tasks assigned by God?

I am sure that most of us have heard that phrase before, and I am confident that we are pretty clear on the meaning. Others will look at how we are conducting ourselves more than they will listen to our words. It is important for us to always act according to God’s plan as we never know who is watching, and frankly, God is always watching.

“¹¹But when Cephas cam to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. ¹²For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party. ¹³And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy.” – Galatians 2:11-13 (ESV)

In and of itself, Peter (Cephas) was not doing anything that was outside of the gospel. As with the death of Christ on the cross, the Jewish laws and customs were not what justified one in the eyes of God. So eating with the Gentiles was not the issue being addressed by Paul as we might think. It was the doing so when no one was around to see him do it and then when men of the Jewish church came around, he “came back” to the Jewish law to “be seen as right” in the eyes of those from the church.

This is not secluded to the church and in the eyes of Christ. I see this in the business world as often, if not more, than I see in my dealings with those from the church. It is a matter of integrity. What makes it even worse in the business world is that it is considered a common practice and accepted.

“¹⁴But when I saw that their conduct was not it step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, ‘If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentile to live like Jews?’” – Galatians 2:14 (ESV)

Thankfully, Paul calls Peter out and hold him to account for his actions. Paul makes it very clear to Peter, and everyone else, that his actions are not in accordance with his words. We cannot expect someone to do things in the way that we expect, if we are acting contrary to those expectations ourselves. This is the matter of integrity and having a lack of it is severely negatively impacting to the further of what is expected.

We are to not only be speakers of the truth, but we must act in the way that shows the truth. And those actions are all the time, not just when the “important” people are watching, because the most important, GOD, is always watching and knows our every move and more importantly, our motives.

What are some things that you are currently doing that may be contrary to what you expect to be the right thing to do? How are you acting differently in the presence of the “important” people? Are your actions speaking louder than your words as you travel this world working for Christ?

“²Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. ³Therefore whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops.” – Luke 12:2-3 (ESV)

This is such a simple truth spoken by Jesus. We should all be taking heed to these words.

It is easy for us to think and believe that we will not be found out for what we say or do. And as Jesus was well aware and it did happen in those days, just look at how much more things are found out today. We are under a microscope of social media at every minute of our days. I know that even for me, as a corporate trainer, and we are now doing about 99% of our training virtually, I have been caught not being on mute and wonder if there was something I said that may have not put me in the right light.

As Christians, we are being scrutinized daily. We are being watched and vilified for the smallest of missteps and misstatements. We are being treated as hypocritical beings and when we are “caught” hiding in the dark, we should be.

I like to believe that I am honest and truthful. I have to remember that at all times, regardless of where I am. I am accountable for what I say and do, and therefore, I should be honest and truthful everywhere and at all times so as to not get “caught” hiding in the dark and risk being exposed.

How are you faring with what you are hiding in the dark? How rough is it when you are exposed? What can you do in order that you stay true and honest regardless of where you are?

It is right for me to follow the law of the land, as long as it is not in violation of the law of God.

“¹⁷Jesus said to them, ‘Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’ And they marveled at him.” – Mark 12:17 (ESV)

Jesus was being tested by the Pharisees and Herodians in an act of trying to catch Him either fully following the Roman way or in full rebellion of the Roman way. They were working to discredit Jesus by flattering Him with words they did not believe themselves.

“¹⁴And they cam and said to him, ‘Teacher, we know that you are true and do not care about anyone’s opinion. For you are not swayed by appearances, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? Should we pay them, or should we not?’” – Mark 12:14 (ESV)

I can see as this unfolds, the Pharisees and Herodians winking at each other as they speak and ask the questions. They were using backhanded compliments to work at manipulating the possible answers that Jesus could give. But, Jesus was clearly up to their game.

“¹⁵But, knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, ‘Why put me to the test? Bring me a denarius and let me look at it.’” – Mark 12:15 (ESV)

Jesus called them on it. He was not rude or overbearing in being right or wrong, He simply asked them to clarify their question by showing them proof of what should be done and not just speaking.

“¹⁶And they brought one. And he said to them, ‘Whose likeness and inscriptions is this?’ They said to him, ‘Caesar’s.’” – Mark 12:16 (ESV)

At this point, I can see them looking at each other realizing they had been exposed to which Jesus finishes by giving verse 17 from above.

I am put to the test by those around me as they bring their words and work to “catch” me. My duty is to bring the facts to them as I know they are doing it to mask their own deficiency in something as they deflect away from themselves. I am to show them the proof of what I believe to be correct based on the facts of the situation and the case at hand and not the concept of where they seem to be taking things to turn the tables on me to deflect from themselves.

I am to know where I stand and for who I stand. And when I do, following Christ, I am in the right.

Have you been tested by the words of others? What have you done to show your understanding in the facts? What if you simply dealt in the facts and avoided the hypocrisy of statements from others?

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?

“¹⁷So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with and oath, ¹⁸so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast tot he hope set before us.” – Hebrews 6:17-18 (ESV)

It seems as though I may have found something in God’s word that I was not fully engaged with before. The commandment below clearly states not to take the name of the LORD in vain.

“⁷You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.” – Exodus 20:7 (ESV)

As I am a sinner, I will lie. Therefore, my swearing to God about something is clearly in vain as I have all of the good intentions not to, but my capacity as a sinner is flawed and I will at some point fail to live up to the oath I make with God. And as such I will be taking His name in vain. I am not capable of swearing and fully holding to it. So I have found that swearing by the name of the LORD is indeed not possible. It is not about using bad words with God’s name attached to them, it is really about my incapacity to hold to the words I utter being that I am a sinner.

God does not have the capability to lie and therefore when He swears by Himself as He did with Abraham, His word is His full and trusted bond that I can count on, always. When God swears, it is the truth and He is bound to His words.

What swearing have you done lately? Have you sworn to God and taken his name in vain? What if you took the approach that you are incapable of holding to your words, and therefore would avoid calling on the name of the LORD in your swearing?

I have done a good amount of reading about processes and habits and one of the things that stands out to me is that in order for change to happen, replacing the old with something new is more effective than simply doing away with the old. When doing away with the old, it is still there to occupy the mind and there is a strong draw to come back to it when things are idle. When replaced, the old is now gone and not there in the mind any longer, as it has no pull any longer due to the new being there instead.

“⁹Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices ¹⁰and have put on the new self which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.” – Colossians 3:9-10 (ESV)

Paul is pretty clear here that we should put away the old and embrace the new which is after the creator, God. I know, other than the lying, what else is there to put away and what should we replace it with? Well, he is clear on this as well.

“⁵Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. ⁸But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander and obscene talk from your mouth. ¹²Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, ¹⁴And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” – Colossians 3:5, 8, 12, & 14 (ESV)

Above you know what I notice, there are fewer things with the new self than with the old self. What a concept for us to embrace. Simpler to be renewed in Christ than to hold on to the old. The few bold items are more profound than the many little details that are of concern in the old self. I know that I am all about simplicity and efficiency and this plays right into that concept for me.

In order to fully transform, it is more than just getting rid of the old, there is the element of filling that voided area where the old was removed with something. With fewer, bolder options to fill that void with, there is a lot of room for more of each of them. More, compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, and most of all LOVE.

What does your old self look like? Are you full of details and little things that are weighing you down as you try to remember them all? What if you were to rid yourself of the old, many details and replace it with the new fewer, bolder self?

“²⁴Therefor God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, ²⁵because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.” – Romans 1:24-25 (ESV)

We have many things that grab and engage our attention. Those are, in most cases, not where we are to be concerning ourselves or wasting our time and effort. Monetary wealth is nice to have, but is consumes us. Social fame drives our egos and keeps us “relevant” in the world, but does not allow us to live freely. Fad following gives us that sense of belonging, however we seem to always be working to just keep up.

My wife and boys give me a hard time about my being cheap and not wanting to follow the same path everyone else does. You see, I am not concerned with trying to impress others. I know what I do and where my allegiance lies, with GOD. I am not in it for me, I am in it for God and as such I work to concern myself with that which pleases Him. I know that my family is just having fun and mean no harm by referencing my ability to be thrifty, but I feel as though I am making an impact on them by giving them a view of what is more important. I am to honor God in what I do and when I turn away from Him to focus on those things that are more worldly, how is it possible to honor Him in what I do.

There are many gods that are worshiped by others and the claim is that it all works back to one God. In fact, as noted in my ESV commentary for verse 25 above, “Paul implies that all other religions are based on false ideas about the one true God; they are not just different paths to one God, as some claim.” There is just one God and if you are worshiping any other than he, then the lie is permeating from you.

There is a solution, listen to, trust in, and accept Christ and the salvation given freely and you will find the truth and will be able to step away from the lie. God is here waiting on everyone to find Him and when the time has come that all that will, have found Him, He will come again and those that continue to live the lie, will be left behind to continue living that lie.

Have you been living according the the other idols in the world, and what are they for you? Think, trust, and believe that the one true God is the Truth and all others are the lie. What if you were to turn away from those lies and and turn to God?