Answering the big questions (2)

Isn’t the church full of hypocrites? The word hypocrite comes from the Greek word for “actor.” Hypocrisy is “the practice of professing beliefs, feelings, or virtues that one does not hold.” The true church of Jesus Christ is made up of true believers; hypocrites are “pretenders” who sit among God’s people. Jesus even had one among His twelve disciples—Judas. Let’s be honest; people have left the church because of hypocrisy. There are more actors in the church than in Hollywood. Hypocrisy runs rampant in the modern church—but be careful if you judge it. Remember the old bumper sticker: “Christians are not perfect, just forgiven.” Before you take it upon yourself to pass judgment upon people who make mistakes and struggle with weaknesses, read these words: “You may think you condemn such people, but you are just as bad, and you have no excuse! When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things. And we know that God, in his justice, will punish anyone who does such things. Since you judge others for doing these things, why do you think you can avoid God’s judgment when you do the same things? Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?” (vv. 1-4 NLT). Don’t worry about the hypocrites in the church; God will sort them out, the “wheat” from the “tares” (see Matthew 13:30).