Yes, we're all hypocrites, but …

Photo by Sean Foster

One of the most significant objections people have to taking Jesus seriously is the hypocrisy they see among Christians. Perhaps this resonates with you? It resonates with me. Mostly because I can be a hypocrite, sadly.

What is hypocrisy? It is saying one thing and then doing another. For example, my yelling at my kids not to yell is hypocritical.

But when it comes to followers of Jesus, it's a big problem, I know. Christians are guilty both from the pulpit/stage and in everyday conversations of saying one thing but not always living up to that standard. And this has kept many people away. I get it.

Here's the thing, though: Jesus is one thing. Those who claim to be his followers are another thing altogether.

And we need to reckon with Jesus. Jesus said, Follow me. He didn't say, Join a church. Or, Become a Christian. Or, Choose a denomination. His main invitation/command for everyone in the world is, Follow me.

So, although many people, like me, might display hypocrisy at times, that shouldn't stand in the way of you getting to know Jesus, coming to terms with him, and following him. Hopefully, if you follow him, you will do a better job with the hypocrisy thing than the rest of us!

Hear these words from Jesus, and shelve what you know about the hypocrites for now:

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)

All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. (John 6:37)

Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men." (Mark 1:16-17)

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. (John 10:27)

Also, hear what Jesus says about hypocrites (you're in good company):

You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye. (Matthew 7:5)

And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. (Matthew 6:5)

And he said to them, "Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, "'This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. (Mark 7:6)

Then the Lord answered him, "You hypocrites! Does not each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from the manger and lead it away to water it? And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath day? (Luke 13:15-16)

Jesus doesn't like hypocrites either, especially the religious kind. But mainly, I hope you will take seriously his invitation to follow him.