You would think that a comparison with such contrast would be insulting to our intelligence; and so it is. Jesus never pulled any punches when it came to addressing hypocrisy.
I wonder how many times we have played they hypocrite without even knowing it? The Pharisees believed they were right in most things. They believed that their good outweighed their bad. Do you think it is possible that we have felt the same way at times? I mean, doing so many "good things" that when we "slip up" we somehow justify it by the "good things" we have done?
Hypocrisy comes in many sizes and shapes. The word comes from the theater; it means an actor, one who portrays characters. Barney Fife was nothing in person like he was on the Andy Griffith show. I am sure he was a nice fellow but he was no where near as naïve as he portrayed on the show. Jesus used the word to describe the same type people only they were not acting for a living, they were acting as a cover up. Their actions and behaviors did not reflect what was truly in their hearts; self preservation and pride.
Let us be on guard for the same thing in our lives. If we are hypocritical, let us not know it, but be made aware of it by the soul searching Light of Christ by way of His Holy Spirit. I served under a Belgian plant manager in my former job. He had a favorite saying along the same line. He would say, "People are always looking for the fly poop in the pepper!" Camels are easier to see.
I wonder how many times we have played they hypocrite without even knowing it? The Pharisees believed they were right in most things. They believed that their good outweighed their bad. Do you think it is possible that we have felt the same way at times? I mean, doing so many "good things" that when we "slip up" we somehow justify it by the "good things" we have done?
Hypocrisy comes in many sizes and shapes. The word comes from the theater; it means an actor, one who portrays characters. Barney Fife was nothing in person like he was on the Andy Griffith show. I am sure he was a nice fellow but he was no where near as naïve as he portrayed on the show. Jesus used the word to describe the same type people only they were not acting for a living, they were acting as a cover up. Their actions and behaviors did not reflect what was truly in their hearts; self preservation and pride.
Let us be on guard for the same thing in our lives. If we are hypocritical, let us not know it, but be made aware of it by the soul searching Light of Christ by way of His Holy Spirit. I served under a Belgian plant manager in my former job. He had a favorite saying along the same line. He would say, "People are always looking for the fly poop in the pepper!" Camels are easier to see.
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