SUB-THEME: HINDRANCES TO UNLIMITED ADVANCEMENT AND ALL-ROUND FRUITHFULLNES
TOPIC: HYPOCRISY AND DOUBLE—STANDARD LIVING
TEXTS: MATT. 23:27-28; REV. 3:16
Hypocrisy simply means pretending to be something you are not or the failure to practice what you preach (Matt. 23:2–3, 27–28). It is also about projecting a false image (1 Samuel 16:6-7) and hiding true intentions (Matt. 23:5-7).
Double standards refer to the following: one standard for self, another for others (Lk 6:41–42); self-justification (Prov. 16:2); and inconsistency (James 1:8).
Double standard life usually indicates the presence of hypocrisy, bias, or unjust behaviours. It is a situation where a policy favours one group or person over another, or one group is treated differently than another group when they should be treated the same. One who plays double standards puts rules on others but does not follow them himself. This is hypocrisy personified.
These subject matters of hypocrisy and double standards are cankerworms that have bedevilled the overall growth of the Church of God, government institutions, traditional institutions, and families. It has set our institutions backward. When we live pretentious lives, undermine good Christian virtues and values, and show favouritism, it ultimately impacts negatively on God’s plan and purposes for His church, society, and individuals. No growth or advancement is achieved.
Where hypocrisy and double standards exist, you are likely to experience the following:
Loss of credibility—Matthew 23:8-10.
Damaged relationships—Prov. 10:9.
Spiritual blindness—Matthew 23:16–26.
Eternal consequences.
All these will obviously hinder advancement.
Jesus often called people hypocrites, thereby demonstrating how common hypocrisy really is. Hypocrisy is still rampant among people of different religions as well as the church, politicians, people you pass on the street, colleagues, etc. Our society is full of extreme double standards.
Jesus warned people to “beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy” (Luke 12:5). Hypocrisy and double standards need to be rooted out in all spheres of human existence if we must advance. We are to emulate Jesus and be the light of the world. We should model Christianity and be true ambassadors of Jesus Christ here on earth. When we do these, we are certain that God Himself will advance us as He did for Moses and Aaron (I Sam 12:6) and advertise us as He did for Jesus (Matt. 3:17).
We can overcome hypocrisy and double standards living by repenting and confessing Jesus as Lord and Saviour (1 John. 1:8), seeking accountability (Prov. 27:17), and practicing self-reflection or examination regularly (2 Cor. 13:5).
Conclusion: Hypocrisy and double standards living present us as children of darkness and destroy trust and relationships. We must try to live a life that honours God by being authentic with values placed on integrity.
Prayer: Lord, help me recognise and overcome hypocrisy and grant me the grace to live a life of authenticity and integrity.
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