“Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.”

MATTHEW 6:1-2

PONDER THIS
Our word hypocrite comes from the Greek word, hypokrites, meaning a play actor. The Greeks had actors who not only used makeup but also literally wore masks. To show they were happy, they put on the happy face. If they wanted to be sad, they put on the sad face. When they wanted to be angry, they put on the angry face. If they wanted to be menacing, they put on the menacing face. There is nothing genuine in hypocrisy—it is all a show.

The greatest argument for Christianity and the greatest argument against Christianity is the life of a Christian. In the Gospels we find the Lord Jesus Christ dealing with sinners, thieves, harlots, prostitutes, tax gathers, and so forth. Jesus had nothing but words of compassion, forgiveness, and love for these people. As a matter of fact, one of the main grievances against Jesus was He was a friend of sinners. On the other hand, our Lord reserved His most severe words for those we call hypocrites. He called them wolves in sheep’s clothing. He said they were like white-washed tombs on the outside but on the inside full of dead men’s bones. The biggest offenders were those who had everything on the showroom floor but nothing in the warehouse.

How have you been hurt by hypocrisy? Why is it so dangerous?
How have you recognized hypocrisy in your own life?
PRACTICE THIS
Pray and confess the ways in which you have spoken or acted hypocritically.