Are We Hypocrites?

The word “hypocrite” is thrown around freely whenever we see someone who is not living up to whatever they espouse.  But I’m not sure we are always right in our labeling of someone as a hypocrite.  Aren’t we all hypocrites in some sense, because we don’t live up to whatever we espouse?  Especially Christians.  Because we CAN’T live up to God’s standards.

So this definition I saw resonated with me:  “A hypocrite is someone who has absolutely no intention of doing what they say they are going to do.  The rest of us are sinners, who say one thing and do another sometimes.”

I think that sums up the difference.  When I looked up synonyms for hypocrisy, they all included some form of pretense, deceit, dissimulation.  A real hypocrite has no intention of living up to whatever they espouse.  They are posturing, projecting an image they hope you fall for.  

This certainly includes some Christians, especially the ones who covet the public eye and constantly seek a platform or following.  But it doesn’t include everyone else who tries to follow Jesus.  We, the rank-and-file followers, blow it everyday.  We keep trying.  Sometimes we’re too tired to even try.  But we know Jesus is right and He’s the Way and we will affirm His way even when we can’t live up to it.  

Thank God we don’t have to.  Thank God for Jesus saving all of us who can’t live up to what we know is right to do.  He’s the only hope for us. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:23-24