Hypocrisy   

“Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed or hidden that will not be known. Therefore, whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops.” Luke 12:1-3 ESV

The Pharisees of the New Testament were hypocrites. Said one thing and done another- especially when it came to religious things. They were quick to enforce the Law on others while not living within the Law themselves when it came to the love of God and loving their neighbor. Perhaps you can relate as you think of a few modern-day Pharisees you might know. Jesus told His disciples to be beware of the leaven (evil and corruption) of the Pharisees. Jesus called it hypocrisy.

Sadly, hypocrisy is alive and well in the Christian community today. A quick glance at any social media platform and you will see the fruit of hypocrisy. Modern-day Pharisees post their rant, which may be true and biblical, but is posted in a negative light to prompt a jarring response. Some of these same people then get caught participating in or supporting what they ranted about. Needless to say, social media lights up and is eager to expose the hypocrisy. Now to be fair, this happens to non-Christians alike, but the push back on Christians is relentless and it may be warranted. The sad truth is one’s reputation is ruined. You are now a hypocrite. Your voice has been silenced.

Every day on social media we witness Jesus’ words play out, “Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed or hidden that will not be known. Therefore, whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops.” (Lk.12:2-3 esv) Those things whispered in our private rooms have a way of making it up to the rooftops, or shall we say the internet. Here’s a social media guideline for all of us to follow, “And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.” (Col.3:17 nlt)