Room For One More

Room for One More

[Jesus said,] “Hypocrites! . . . Outwardly you look like righteous people, but inwardly your hearts are filled with hypocrisy and lawlessness.”

Matthew 23:27-28

Jesus encountered hypocrites at every turn during his life and ministry. The religious leaders tried to trick him, spoke lies about him, and plotted against him. He knew what they were doing, and he did not hesitate to call them out, shouting, “You snakes! You hypocrites!” That was, obviously, not a very popular thing to say, and it eventually contributed to his being murdered by his enemies.

Hypocrites also populate the church, because the church was established for sinners, not perfect people. And every kind of sinner is invited to bring his or her knapsack of offenses to the fellowship of sinners. In truth, at one point or another in our lives, each of us is a hypocrite about something. As Pogo the cartoon character says, “We have met the enemy, and it is us!”

A great lord was once patronizing the bishop of Hereford and speaking to him with astonishing insolence.

“I never go to church,” boasted the lord. “Perhaps you have noticed that, Bishop?”

“Yes, I have noticed it,” answered the bishop gravely. “And would you tell me why that is true?”

“Well, the reason I do not go to church is that there are so many hypocrites there.”

Smiling blandly, the bishop said, “Oh, don’t let that keep you away. There is always room for one more.”

Ah, now there’s the rub—the lord’s accusation fits each of us, which effectively eliminates the excuse entirely. As my dad used to say, “If you stay away from church because there are hypocrites there, the hypocrites are closer to God than you are.”

Merciful God, please forgive me for my hypocritical attitudes and ways. I want to be pure hearted and holy, but I know that’s possible only with your help. So I come to you now in repentance and praise, asking for your help. Amen.