HYPOCRISY

HYPOCRISY 

Hypocrisy is defined as:

• The contrivance of a false appearance of virtue or goodness, while concealing real character or inclinations, especially with respect to religious and moral beliefs; hence in general sense, dissimulation, pretense, sham.
• The practice of engaging in the same behavior or activity for which one criticizes another

Hypocrisy develops characteristics of: 

• A Hypocrite - a person who indulges in hypocrisy; a pretender, deceiver or sanctimonious person.  
• A Plaster  Saint-  a person who makes a show of being without moral faults or human weakness, especially in a hypocritical way.

Hypocrites are blind to their own faults and failures. Hypocrisy also causes hypocrites to  be two-faced. They display a likeness or agreement in your presence, but they will immediately retaliate or encourage others to be rebellious. They are so blinded that they are acting out the very behavior they condemn.  They are a sham and very shallow minded, and give advice they won't take or practice themselves. 

The scripture gives a directive to hypocrites:

Matthew 7:5 (KJV) 

Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.

If you have a large beam in your eye, you cannot see clearly to remove the mote in your brothers eye. Your own beam may see the brother differently or measure him by your standards of imperfection and point of view because of your unclear vision. 

TODAY'S FOCUS:  HYPOCRISY DISTORTS VISION 

The scripture above makes it very clear that the board in your eye will prevent you from seeing the small speck in the eye of your brother.  You are in no position to judge or criticize another when you are doing the same or have faults of your own.  

It is important that you clear up your vision before you try to help others. Here's why:

• Your vision is distorted by your own failures.  
• You will jump to conclusion because of your own weakness
• You will judge others partially through your limited view
• You will be a Hypocrite or Plaster Saint

Here are a few things you should consider: 

• You must get rid of your own beam (faults) before tending to others
• You must treat others like you would like to be treated
• You should try to help your brother instead of criticizing and undermining 
• You must not worry or concentrate about the faults of others
• You must not be too quick to jump on the failures of others 
• You must not criticize the differences of others
• You must always view others in the light of love and grace
• You must not play a "holier-than-thou role but live the part
• You must give everyone a fair chance to express themselves
• You must respect the position of others 
• You must not be an initiator of gossip and confusion
• You must consider your ways and BE CHRISTLIKE

Remember, don't pick on others or jump to conclusion criticizing their faults when you have so many of your own and would not like to be treated the way you treat others.  Remove your beam so you can see clearly enough to help others in a non judgmental or critical manner.  Many are fighting the same battles you went through. Extend the same love and grace you have received from the Lord to others.  

God Bless You and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel