Hypocrisy. Webster’s defines it as “a feigning (pretending) to be what one is not or to believe what one does not; especially: the false assumption of an appearance of virtue or religion.” This very kind of pretense was rampant among the religious elite in Jesus’ day. It’s why they couldn’t stand Him (and ultimately had Christ killed) because He called them on it. (Mark 12:38-40) Unfortunately, thousands of years later, hypocrisy still rears its ugly head even in the Church. With this in mind, I came up with the following quiz (see below). It’s not meant to condemn, but to challenge. I included “pride” in the quiz because it’s really at the root of all hypocrisy. (Pride: “inordinate self-esteem (conceit); proud or disdainful behavior or treatment; ostentatious display.”) Remember, Jesus never points out sin except for the purpose of redemption. (After repentance comes restoration.) So without any further adieu, let’s find out if you’re for real. One “yes” answer is a flunk (don’t worry, I flunked, too)…
The Pride / Hypocrisy Test (not scientific):
(1) Have you ever been asked, “How are you?,” and you answered, “Fine,” when you weren’t really fine at all?
(2) Have you ever portrayed yourself as something else spiritually when you really were living far from what you were portraying?
(3) Do you have a hard time asking for help?
(4) Have you ever felt like the sermon was just for you and you should go forward to the altar like the Pastor was inviting you to do, but you were more worried about what people would think so you didn’t go?
(5) Have you ever not admitted a wrong because it would have been embarrassing/bruising to your ego to do it?
(6) Do you think you’re (quote) “something” because you give to the poor or pay tithes or are a part of a certain ministry in your church (or outside your church)?
(7) Have you ever been impressed with your own “spirituality”? (For example, you find out how long someone else has been a Christian and since you’ve been a Christian longer, well…)
About Pastor Mike
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