Hypocrisy

Hypocrisy

MY QUESTION for GOD

How does hypocrisy hurt a leader?

A MOMENT with GOD

Samuel said, “What is this you have done?” Saul replied, “I saw my men scattering from me, and you didn’t arrive when you said you would, and the Philistines are at Micmash ready for battle. So I said, ‘The Philistines are ready to march against us at Gilgal, and I haven’t even asked for the Lord’s help!’ So I felt compelled to offer the burnt offering myself before you came.” “How foolish!” Samuel exclaimed. “You have not kept the command the Lord your God gave you. Had you kept it, the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. But now your kingdom must end, for the Lord has sought out a man after his own heart.”

1 Samuel 13:11-14

To a thirsty, weary traveler, a mirage in the desert sands gives the appearance of a pool of water—cool, pure, life-giving. A closer look, however, reveals nothing but dry ground. God hates hypocrisy because it is like that mirage. What you see is not what you get. Hypocrisy gives the appearance of purity and integrity on the outside when the heart is actually spiritually dry and deceptive. Hypocrisy is pretending to be someone you are not. Spiritual hypocrisy is pretending to be a godly person when you really have selfish motives. You try to look pious to others in order to gain something—a certain reputation, a business connection, or a position of influence in the church or community. Hypocrisy is a form of lying and deception, and it is fueled by pride and selfishness. What God wants instead is sincerity and honesty, which are fueled by humility. Hypocrisy can cost a leader everything. It takes away the trust and credibility that are required to motivate others to follow you. Divine moments can’t come from hypocritical leaders. God rejected Saul as king because of his hypocrisy. He claimed to value God, but he was simply watching out for himself. Wise leaders are genuine leaders.

DIVINE CHALLENGE

WE CAN BE SURE THAT WE KNOW HIM IF WE OBEY HIS COMMANDMENTS. IF SOMEONE CLAIMS, “I KNOW GOD,” BUT DOESN’T OBEY GOD’S COMMANDMENTS, THAT PERSON IS A LIAR AND IS NOT LIVING IN THE TRUTH. BUT THOSE WHO OBEY GOD’S WORD TRULY SHOW HOW COMPLETELY THEY LOVE HIM.   1 John 2:3-5