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The Church is Full of Hypocrites

by Dale Harcombe | More from this Blogger

01 Sep 2009 02:57 PM

The church is full of hypocrites. Have you ever heard that comment? Maybe you've even said it or thought it yourself? There are times when I feel like a hypocrite. For example the other day I let frustration and anger get the better of me.

Afterwards I felt awful about the situation. But sadly, as is so often the case, it wasn't something I could go back and fix. I was left replaying the situation over and over in my mind.

Then on Sunday I was up leading the singing in church. I felt like the biggest hypocrite, even more so, when people made positive, encouraging comments about my singing and the music. Like Paul I bemoaned the fact that at times I do the things I don't want to do, Romans 7:15-24.

To make matters worse, our minister preached from Luke 12 about being the faithful and sensible steward and keeping alert for the Master's coming and doing His Will. The admonition was 'from everyone who has been given much shall much be requires, and to whom they have entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more,' Luke 12:48. By this time I felt even worse. Guilt weighed heavily.

Then our minister moved on to Luke 13 and the answer presented itself of what I had to do. Like those Jesus was addressing back then, I had to repent, Luke 13:3, 5.

I don't want to be like the fig tree, and like many including the religious leaders in Israel were at the time, not bearing fruit for God. There and then I confessed my sins to God and received the blessing of his forgiveness. Then the only thing left to do was forgive myself, and not keeping on dwelling on it. Since God has forgiven me it is over - dealt with, I John 1:9.

Why am I telling you this story? Because maybe some of you have been feeling similarly- feeling hypocritical, because you said or done things you wish you hadn't and yet call yourself a Christian. You might be feeling guilty for something you have done and not sure what you can do about it. Sometimes we can go back and apologize and try and make things right. Other times it isn't possible.

However, we can always turn to the Lord God and know no matter how bad our sin, if we truly repent and that is the key, and want to change our ways that God forgives us. After all that is why Jesus came so we could be forgiven our sins. If there is something that is weighing heavily on you, will you take this opportunity to repent and then ask God to help you live His Way?

Bible verses from the New American Standard Version

Related blogs

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I'd Never Do That!

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Practical Help for Christian Living

 
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Learn more about Dale Harcombe
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Dale has a passion for books and writing. She writes in various forms, from articles to poetry to fiction for children and adults.

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User Comments

trying2bmanofGod (219) 07 Sep 2009 02:40 AM

Been there done that to many times to count. Do you think though that there are some people who are just so stupid, that getting fustrated and angry with them is so easy to do. Jesus was fustrated with the religous leaders and those selling in the Temple. So is it always bad for us to get angry and fustrated with people, especially those who are stupid, or is that just making excusses?

Dale Harcombe Online! (10327) 07 Sep 2009 01:42 PM

Thanks for your comments and the question. Haven't heard from you in a while, Trying2BmanofGod. As I see it, Jesus got frustrated and angry with the religious leaders and those selling in the temple, not because they were stupid but because they were willfully disobeying God, being hypocritical and leading the people astray. Although of course, they couldn't see what was right in front of them- namely Jeus, the Son of God. I guess it depends on whether our anger is a righteous anger as was that of Jesus or just getting angry and impatient because people aren't co-operating with what we think or want.

trying2bmanofGod (219) 07 Sep 2009 05:57 PM

Yes it has been a long time since I had the time to do anything. Working two jobs. They take a lot out of me. I sometimes do not even have time to read. soonmy day off I try to get caught up on my reading. For the last few years I have been doing the read the Bible in a year.The structure of it helps me . Though right now I have been onsick leave because my oldest son he is 19 just had back surgey.. God Bless you

Dale Harcombe Online! (10327) 07 Sep 2009 07:45 PM

Thanks TRYING2BMANOFGOD and hope things start to look up for you and your family. I also use a structure of one of the bible reading plans and find them helpful though I never get through all 4 given each day, usually 1 or 2.

ccorley78 (5) 01 Oct 2009 01:14 PM

What "bible structures" are yall talking about? I have been trying to get closer to the Lord. Maybe that would help keep me on track. I read the bible when i can but its not always consistent. I have 5 children and I, along with 2 others have the flu. I am getting over it and so is my daughter but my oldest son is full blown.

Dale Harcombe Online! (10327) 01 Oct 2009 01:53 PM

The structure of a bible reading plan. eg reading the bible in a year or teo years etc. There are several available free on the internet. Just type it into goggle and you sill soon find them. The Bible Society and Scripture Union also produce them.I use oneyearbibleonline at the moment , but have used others at other times. I hope you and f your family all start feeling better soon. Thanks for commenting and asking a question.

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