The Accusations Are True… But Wait
This post may ruffle some feathers, but this topic needs to be addressed. We need to change. We need to run back to God & let Him lead!
Hypocrisy & the Church seem to be synonymous these days & it breaks my heart & the hearts of so many others, because we see that God is our one true hope, but yet we can’t seem to distinguish ourselves from this painful reality of prevalent hypocrisy.
So why is that? Why are we known as hypocrites? How did this become such a huge distraction from the truth that has set us free—the grace of Christ?
Trusting in Ourselves… Instead of God
The most glaringly obvious answer to this question stems from the source of the hypocrisy itself—trusting in ourselves more than we trust in God.
We may believe God’s Word is true (or, for most of us, we live like it is “mostly” true, even though it is COMPLETELY true—it is NOT just God’s “opinions” of truth), & yet we don’t live those truths.
Why?
Because we like to talk about them & point them out to others. We like to judge others on their actions & ourselves on our intentions. We like to say we believe it without putting it to the test.
Being a Christian Isn’t the Same As Actively, Daily Trusting in God
Basically? We like to trust ourselves first & God second.
The results? Looking so “GOOD” on the outside, but living just like everyone else in reality. And when pressures arise, what’s on the inside shines brighter than what we try to project on the outside.
In other words, we are just human, just like everyone else… And we can’t rise above our human nature without first surrendering that human nature to the will, wisdom, power, & guidance of the Holy Spirit leading us each step along the way.
Looking the Part Without Acting the Part
And if we don’t surrender our human nature to the will & wisdom of God, we can say all of the TRUTH that we want, & try to act as GOOD as we can, but we will be just as messed up & lost as anyone else on the inside—creating that dreaded reality of hypocrisy.
It’s not even that we intend to be hypocrites. In fact, I can remember getting really offended at that accusation because I was trying SO HARD to be SO GOOD on the outside & to TALK the TALK, without really WALKING the WALK by putting my trust in God over myself.
Doing Good Things in Vain
Even for those who become activists for great causes, take a stand for the hurting or overlooked, volunteer for service projects galore, & work in many ministries within the church… without leaning our will & our way & our wisdom & our passion to the will & wisdom & direction of the Lord… Well, if you read my post from a couple weeks ago, you know that we are “building” in vain.
Human Nature Trumps Doing God’s Will When We’re Not Actively Putting Our Trust in God
Because WE ARE JUST HUMAN on our own!
We are just as vulnerable to HUMAN NATURE.
We have just as many TEMPTATIONS.
We have just as many FAULTS & INSECURITIES & FALSE PERCEPTIONS.
Without leaning into God as our source of all wisdom, direction, & power, we are quite simply just building our life, our ministry, or our causes in vain.
We are trying to ACT godly, without letting GOD make us like Himself through HIS strength, wisdom, direction, & power.
How Do We Make It Stop?
So, how do we stop this plague of hypocrisy that seems to have infected the Church?
We lean into God daily. We ask Him to shape us & grow us. We ask Him to remove false perceptions we’ve come to rely on. We ask Him to help us overcome. We ask Him to strengthen us. We ask HIM to change us from the INSIDE OUT.
And when we learn lessons from God, we CONTINUE to bow our understanding to His leading & wisdom for each new situation!
Saying All the Right Things, But Falling So Short
Because without getting Him involved in the details, we are whitewashed tombs that look & sound godly, while grossly misrepresenting God & getting in the way of His glory… Depriving Him the opportunity to shine through us to the hurting world we wish so desperately to encourage toward lasting, secure HOPE through Christ.
We may think we have it figured out—especially if we have already learned a lesson in a certain area… because we tend to cut & paste & re-use each lesson we learn from God for every similar future situation versus continuing to bow our understanding to God’s wisdom—but no matter what we THINK we know… HE will always know more & He will ALWAYS know better. So, ask Him.
Always Ask Him
Always ask Him.
If you have already learned a lesson… Ask Him to continue teaching you.
If you already think you understand something… Ask Him to weed out the falsities.
Always, ALWAYS refer to His Word & rely on His guidance through prayer.
Knowledge may be power, but it is also dangerous… Because the more we know, the more we THINK we understand.
Always ask God.
He Will Direct Your Steps As You Lean into Him for Guidance
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart
& lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to Him,
& He will make your paths straight.”
(Proverbs 3:5-6) (Emphasis mine)
Always shine HOPE… by asking God for the BEST way to give Him the glory in all that you do.
Coming Next Week
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A Note from Michelle:
If you would like to hear more of my story, check out the “About Me” page. And if you would like to hear how I found my lasting source of HOPE, read the “Hope Is Found” page, on this site. I hope they are an encouragement to you! <3
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Weekly Special Spotlight:
Each week, I feature an item that is changing lives for women around the world. These hand-crafted pieces are offering job creation opportunities for women artisans in impoverished nations all around the world! Check out this week’s featured beauty!!
Stargazer Set
This stunning necklace features a golden hammered half moon pendant with nine blue-grey tassels & a matching bracelet.
Artisan Information:
In India, poverty is rampant & fair working conditions are hard to find. But with every purchase, women are receiving an income, access to healthcare, adult literacy programs, & self-help groups! Not only does this change their lives, but they are also pouring back into their communities & helping others! You have the opportunity to empower thousands of women in India!
Purchase this piece & empower a woman in India!
SHOP Here, OR, Email me at michelle@michellehydeonline.com with any questions, & I will message you personally with more information!! Thank you for inspiring HOPE around the world, Lovely!
