TO AVOID HYPROCRISY WE NEED TO LIVE OUR FAITH
Do your coworkers know you are Christian? Does your work schedule reflect a weekly or yearly calendar of a Christian? Do you produce the best product or work as hard as you can to model excellent workmanship? Are you a benevolent manager? Do you care about your employees’ families and personal needs? Are you a friend to your coworkers?
Hypocrisy stands in opposition with the example Jesus set while on Earth, teaching his disciples to be faithful to him and each other. In Matthew 5, Jesus teaches his followers to be salt and light, leading by example. To put these words into practice, it is necessary for us to avoid hypocrisy in both our deeds and words. In this essay, I will address Matt 5:13-16 in an effort to understand how we can best avoid the pitfalls of hypocripsy and instead show the light of Jesus' example in our daily lives.
So let us look at 2 key bible passages today.
The first is this:
Romans 12:1-3 are essential for living a life of obedience to God. As Paul writes, "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship" (Romans 12:1, NIV). This call to action is a reminder that believers are to surrender their lives to God and serve Him out of gratitude.
Paul further explains that Christians should not conform to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of their minds (Romans 12:2). This transformation is key in order to live out a life of obedience; without renewal, the beliefs, values, and behaviors of the world will take precedence over the Lord.
Imagine a chef preparing a meal. The chef carefully chooses the ingredients, blends them together in just the right proportions, and cooks the meal to perfection. The result is a delicious and satisfying dish that nourishes and delights those who eat it.
Similarly, as believers, we are called to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice to God. Just like the chef chooses the ingredients for the meal, we must choose to renew our minds and conform to God's will, rather than the patterns of the world. This is our true worship and brings pleasure to God.
Just as a delicious meal nourishes and delights those who eat it, when we renew our minds and conform to God's will, we are transformed and able to test and approve what God's will is, bringing blessing and fulfillment to our lives. So let us strive to be like the chef, offering our bodies as a living sacrifice to God and being transformed by the renewing of our minds.
Paul emphasizes the importance of using spiritual gifts for the common good (Romans 12:3). By doing so, believers can use the abilities given to them by the Lord to honor Him and make a difference in their communities. As Christians, we must strive to live our lives based on the principles of Romans 12:1-3 in order to live out a life of obedience to God.
the 2nd verse is this
1.The Bible teaches us about the importance of being a person of integrity. Proverbs 20:7 says, "The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them." Let me use this analogy
Imagine a GPS navigation system leading you to your destination. It shows you the correct route, warns you of any detours or obstacles, and ensures you reach your destination safely and efficiently.
Similarly, a man of integrity is like the GPS navigation system, leading a blameless life guided by God's word. He avoids wrong turns and pitfalls, staying on the path of righteousness. As a result, those around him, especially his children, are blessed and guided towards a life of faith and integrity.
Just as a GPS navigation system gets you to your destination, a man of integrity leads his children to a life of faith and blessings. They learn from his example and follow his guidance, reaching their own destinations of righteousness and integrity. So let us strive to be like the GPS navigation system, guided by God's word and leading a blameless life that blesses those around us.
Jesus used the parable of the two sons in Matthew 21:28-32 to teach about the danger of being a hypocrite. In the story, the first son told his father he would not work in the vineyard but later changed his mind and went to work. The second son said he would work but did not follow through. Jesus concluded that those who say one thing but do another are like the first son and are considered hypocrites.
In James 1:22, we are told to "be doers of the word and not merely hearers." This means that our faith must be reflected in our actions and not just our words. We cannot simply talk about our faith; we must also live it out daily.
Ok, so let us look at the dangers of hypocrisy, and maybe you have found yourself doing the same.
Deception: Hypocrites deceive themselves and those around them.
Ephesians 4:25 "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbour, for we are all members of one body."
Damages relationships: Hypocrisy can damage relationships and one's witness for Christ.
Misses the opportunity to live a fulfilling life: Hypocrisy keeps men from living a life of purpose and fulfilment.
John 10:10 "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."
So what does living an honest life look like, and what are the benefits?
V. The Benefits of Living an Honest Life
A. Brings glory to God: Living a life of integrity brings glory to God and demonstrates one's love for Him.
B. Builds strong relationships: Living a life of honesty builds strong relationships based on trust and respect.
C. Leads to a life of purpose and fulfilment: Living a life of integrity aligns with God's will and leads to a life of purpose and fulfilment.
