An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbor: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered. Proverbs 11:9 KJV
If anyone is familiar with the Gospels, the Lord Jesus addressed the subject of hypocrisy. Observing his dialogue with some of the prominent religious figures of his day: the Pharisees, the Sadducee, the chief priests, and the scribes, and His people sets my teeth on edge. In Gospel of Matthew the Lord addresses the insincerity of judging others’ actions before assessing one’s own sins (7:1-5). The Master’s unequivocal warning of wrath to come against wicked men for their neglect of the poor, the naked, the hungry, and those bound into captivity.
Not only are the victims and their families are devastated by the actions of these men (and women in many cases), but their parishioners are devastated as well. “What becomes of us?” is one of many questions they may ask themselves among others-trying to find answers to the question “why” would someone who claims to oversee the flock of God would do something so horrible or “wear a mask” in front of congregations?
Such images of “men of the cloth” held in cuffs or crying profusely apologizing before congregants are etched into the minds of the American public and are grafted into the popular culture through the medium of television. In many Americans’ minds, there is nothing or nobody worse than a hypocrite, except that one is a professional one.
Yet ordained clergy are not the only ones susceptible to “putting on the mask” of (self) righteousness. Jesus’ words against hypocrisy is for all to heed. Yet the Lord’s word against hypocrites comes with commandment of repentance. Lest we all join in America’s collective disdain for hypocrites (of whom I am chief!) we should understand that the Gospel is a word towards sinners, even the hypocrite.
The word of Christ is one which sets one free from the bondage hypocrisy is. It’s hard to be a hypocrite! We can keep up the charade for so long before we are exposed for what we truly are. The mask is a heavy burden to carry. Rejoice, for the Savior has come to set us free!
Living an intentional life of truth and under the Lordship of Christ in the power of the Spirit requires us to yield and obey the truth. Because the Son has come to set us free, let us take heed to recognize the masks we wear at times when we put our faith in ourselves rather than the Lord. Then with me, in humble submission to the Gospel our Lord, take them off and exchange them for a robe washed in the blood of the Risen Lamb.
