THE SCIENCE OF HYPOCRISY

“….You are hypocrites! You are like tombs that are painted white. Outside they look fine, but inside they are full of dead people’s bones and all kinds of filth. It is the same with you. People look at you and think you are godly. But on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and evil"- Matthew 23:27‭-‬28 (ERV)

A Sunday school teacher was endeavoring to impress upon a class of boys the importance of living the Christian life. “Why do people call me a Christian?” the man asked. After a moment’s pause, one young boy said, “Maybe it’s because they don’t really know you.”

The response of this Sunday school student above re-echoes the issue of hypocrisy that Jesus Christ accused the Scribes and Pharisees of in the temple. 

What is hypocrisy?

Hypocrisy can be defined as an art of organizing and participating in the self-made parade of mask(s). It involves dissimulation and pretense. An hypocrite conceals his/her real nature or identity with mask of deceit/pretence. They are not who they claim to be. They are fake!  

Friends, have you ever wondered why there have been deplorable moral and spiritual climates in our world today despite the growing number of people who profess to be Christians? Is this not a clear indication that we have more fake Christians in the fold than genuine ones? Is it not obvious that we have more "Title Carrying Christians" (TCC) in the kingdom than "Mantle Carrying Christians"(MCC)? If the secret dealings of many professing Christians are mirrored through the x-ray of heaven, I wonder how disgusting the outcome will be. 

Beloved, have you obtained a degree in the school of hypocrisy? Have you mastered the art and science of  hypocrisy? Are you a fake Christian or a genuine one? Are you a true disciple of Jesus Christ or are you a certified pretender in the kingdom? Are you really who you claim to be or are you hiding behind the transparent wall of hypocrisy? Are your external activities or actions covering up your internal filthiness or unrighteousness? Does your lifestyle contradict your profession? Are there any convincing evidence in your life that can attest to the fact that you have truly been with Jesus (Acts 4:13)?

This wonderful poem below describes the science of hypocrisy that is attacking the roots of revival and Christians' testimony in our generation. 

"MASKS" (By Unknown)

Don't be fooled by the face I wear, 

for I wear a thousand masks,

And none of them are me.

Don't be fooled, for goodness sake, don't be fooled.

I give you the impression that I'm secure, 

that confidence is my name and coolness is my game,

And that I need no one. 

But don't believe me.

Beneath dwells the real me in confusion, in aloneness, in fear.

That's why I create a mask to hide behind, 

to shield me from the glance that knows,

But such a glance is precisely my salvation.

That is, if it's followed by acceptance, if it's followed by love. 

It's the only thing that can liberate me from my own self-built prison walls.

I'm afraid that deep down I'm nothing and that I'm just no good, 

And that you will reject me.

And so begins the parade of masks.

I idly chatter to you. I tell you everything that's really nothing and

Nothing of what's everything, of what's crying within me.

Please listen carefully and try to hear what I'm not saying. 

I'd really like to be genuine and spontaneous, and me.

But you've got to help me.

You've got to hold out your hand.

My prayer is that the Holy Spirit will stir up genuine repentance in the hearts of many professing but fake Christians all over the world. May the fire of hypocrisy burning fiercely in this generation be put out and replaced with the light of sincerity and genuineness. 

On behalf of my esteemed father in the Lord, Pastor. E. A. Adeboye, I would like to invite you to June 2024 Holy Ghost Service. Theme: THE ROD OF FIRE. Date: 7th June 2024. Venue: The Redemption City, Mowe, Nigeria.

Good day and God bless you.

Maranatha!

Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo

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