It is easy to find examples of others’ hypocrisy, but if we are searingly honest with ourselves, we fail to live up to even our own internal standards, which begs the question to rephrase the issue, how do we win over sin?
Colossians 3:1-17
3 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. 7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.11 Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.
12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
How many times have Christians been called hypocrites? Jesus also detests hypocrites. He reserved his harshest words for the so-called the religious elite of his day, the Pharisees, using terms such as white-washed tombs, blind guides and brood of vipers!
Unfortunately, the practice what you preach mantra if applied to us would also result in us being called hypocrites! You and I may not explicitly preach it, but we have these unwritten standards for ourselves, which we eventually break, if we are searingly honest.
Before getting into the nitty gritty of how not to be a hypocrite, Paul therefore appeals to our exalted status as His people, by encouraging us to set our hearts on Christ in heaven next to God where we are seated, rather than on earthly pursuits.
In extremely strong terms, we are commanded to kill our sinful desires, as God’s judgement awaits. The list of wrongful desires and actions is familiar, and Paul ends by telling us to put off our old selves with these wrongful practices and put on our new selves which is constantly renewed in the knowledge of God. This new kingdom we belong to is completely fair and offers equality to everyone.
Finally, we are commanded to clothe ourselves with the good virtues, remembering to forgive each other of any offences, while covering the whole lot with love which is the glue that binds it all together. The Christian community lives at peace with one another, now encouraging, now admonishing, always thankful and ultimately committing all we say and do to Jesus Christ.
Head: Perform a self-assessment of the ways you may be letting yourself and God down by scanning the list of bad behaviours and motives in today’s reading.
Heart: Whatever challenges your day may hold, cultivate a feeling of thankfulness in your heart, as you sing a song gratitude for what Christ has done for you.
Hands: Think of any grievances you may have against someone in your life and decide in your heart to forgive them before God.
Prayer: Lord, you know us, in all our failings and especially when we don’t live up to the life you have called us to. Forgive us when we fail and help us to reflect on our status as your chosen people, who are called to honour your name and live for you. Lord we want your message to dwell in us richly, and that can only happen as we spend time with you. Help us carve out time in our day to spend with you, building up our knowledge of you and love for you, so we can go out and love the world. In Jesus name. Amen
A song to listen to: Who You say I am
Sean Kluyts- Creek Road Presbyterian Church- Carina
