Saturday

Did you know that origin of the word hypocrite is different than how we use the word today. From the NIB Dictionary of the bible the literal meaning of hypocrisy/hypocrite is “a judgment, sentence, or power of distinguishing” or “a decider, judge or umpire.” That does call one to mind about sporting events and some of the controversial calls that have been made. The most common usage of the term in antiquity was to designate an actor. A person who made judgments about characters they played from behind a mask was considered acting or playing a role or performing on a stage. This evolved to today the term denoting metaphorically persons who pretended to be like someone they were not. Below are some quotes that speak to this.
Hypocrisy in anything whatever may deceive the cleverest and most penetrating man, but the least wide-awake of children recognizes it, and is revolted by it, however ingeniously it may be disguised.

—Leo Tolstoy.

Hypocrisy: prejudice with a halo.

—Ambrose Bierce.

Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.

—Dr. Seuss.
So in Luke 13: 10-17 when Jesus calls the leaders of the church hypocrites it takes on the meaning more of acting or playing a role. Today when we examine ourselves do we play at being Christian, make judgments about being a Christian, being a decider as to who is a Christian? Are we being actors or are we living like a Christian? There was a study done among those who would call themselves unchurched as to why they do not belong. Over 75% state that they do not go to church as it is hypocritical and not trying to live as Jesus shows. Most state that they believe in Jesus. The article in Homiletics stated that it was interesting that the unchurched are saying that those who are members of a church don’t act like they are churched. Surveys have shown that there is no significant differences from those who profess being Christian (even born again) in the way they act in the world and those who state that they do not belong to a church. [Barna research study confirms this perception. A 2007 study showed that lifestyles of “born-again Christians” were statistically equivalent to those of nonbelievers. When reporting activities from their previous 30 days, both groups were equally likely to gamble, view pornography, take something that didn’t belong to them, physically fight or abuse someone, get drunk, use an illegal drug, intentionally lie, seek revenge or gossip.]
Now one of the differences is that some Christians are more likely to recognize what they are doing is wrong and to ask for forgiveness knowing that Christ died for our sins. For myself, I am encouraged by the mercy Christ has shown me. I would hope that I would not “play act” as a Christian but continue to strive to act in loving God and loving neighbor both in words and deeds.