I want to ask you a serious question. Are you a hypocrite? Most likely, your answer was immediately ‘No’. But let’s evaluate the situation for a minute. First, let’s get Webster’s definition of the word ‘hypocrite’.
Webster’s definition of ‘hypocrite’: a person whose behavior contradicts their stated beliefs or feelings.
Now, we have a basic understanding of what we are actually referring to. So, let’s look at some scripture.
Romans 2:22 (KJV)
“[22] Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?”
This particular verse is taken from a series of questions that the apostle Paul is asking the reader. The reason why I pulled out this particular verse is twofold: 1) there are numerous topics that are covered in this chapter, but we cannot cover all of them, so I chose this verse to focus on, and 2) the reason why I chose this verse is because it deals with two of the most common problems that anyone deals with: lust and covetousness. So let’s break this verse down into the two parts. I will number each one of these as I go.
1) Romans 2:22(a) (KJV)
“[22] (a) Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery?”
Jesus dealt with the issue of adultery in His Sermon on the Mount. Let’s look at that scripture passage.
Matthew 5:27-28 (KJV)
“[27] Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:
[28] but I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.”
Jesus did not give us a new interpretation of this law, but rather, the proper understanding of what the law was saying. And it is an extremely rare individual that can honestly say that they do not struggle with lust at times. Now, to alleviate any condemnation that the devil is trying to attack you with, if you are actively trying to fight against the urge to lust, you are doing the honorable thing and you should NOT be considered a hypocrite.
2) Romans 2:22(b) (KJV)
“[22] (b) thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?”
In order to get the proper understanding of what Paul is trying to convey here, we need to get an understanding of the definition of ‘sacrilege’.
Webster’s definition of ‘sacrilege’: gross irreverence toward a hallowed person, place, or thing.
Let’s go a little further and get the proper definition of ‘idolatry’, as well.
Webster’s definition of ‘idolatry’: immoderate attachment or devotion to something.
And we may as well get the definition of ‘idol’.
Webster’s definition of ‘idol’: an object of extreme devotion.
Now, we can move forward with our discussion. Another definition of ‘idol’ would be: anything that we value more than our relationship with Jesus. Many people who profess Jesus as Savior consistently put other things before Him in their lives: a house, a job, a car, family, a romantic relationship. Anything that you put before your relationship with Jesus is a form of idolatry, and you should stop that IMMEDIATELY! Jesus alone is worthy of our devotion. After all, no one else has EVER been willing to die for you with such a gruesome death just because they loved you and couldn’t stand the thought of living without you without doing everything possible to remedy the situation. Now, let’s ask the question of ourselves that we would quite possibly lie to others about the answer to (but we cannot lie to God), and that is, ‘Is there anything in my life that has a place ahead of Jesus?’ Be completely honest with yourself about it, and remember that there’s no shame in admitting that there is. The only shame that can come from this is if you 1) try to lie to yourself or God, or 2) admit that there’s a problem, but choose to either ignore it or live in open rebellion. Either of those things will (at least, SHOULD) bring shame and contempt on the individual.
As we have seen, pretty much everyone has, or at least has had, hypocritical tendencies at some point in their lives, but, as we have discovered, the key to walking in freedom is to just be honest with ourselves AND with God. Remember that I love you guys and I’m praying for you.