Religious hypocrisy!

“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven."
Matthew 6:1

Ever wonder what you would have done in the days of the prophets?  If someone claimed to be a messenger of God.  What would you do and say?  What if it happened now?  Would you believe them and take them seriously?  Would you ask for proof?  Would you ask them to perform miracles? If you look at history, it shows us that people not only question, but usually mock the prophets when they are preaching the message of God.  It's only after their death do most realize the errors of their ways, and begin following their teachings.  I heard in a sermon and nodded in agreement when the Pastor said, "people approve the wicked deeds of their fathers and adorn the tombs of those their fathers killed."

What is the point of this you may be asking.  Well if you have read enough of my work, you know I always have a point.  The subject matter that mostly all religious and pious people want to avoid is the point here.  The point of religious hypocrisy.  I have talked about said topic within my other writings, but it's such a big issue that it deserved it's own blog. Have you noticed that all religious folks are offended when questioned, corrected or directed about their beliefs and practices?  Offended and defensive.  Their priorities are in the wrong place. They desire worldly things, and chase after appearances and the non-essentials.  They practice ceremonial offerings and prayers when their hearts are full of envy and malice.  They lack any concern for others and have become complacent in their teachings.  However, these same individuals are the ones to condemn others and their ways.  Do you disagree?  Have you too not seen this?

Why should I be concern with this, you ask.  Live and let live, you say.  It's not my problem, you say. Well I say, have you kept anyone from knowing God's word?  Perhaps imposed law upon them and not let them know God's grace and forgiveness?  Then my friends, you too are hypocrites!  Yes, I speak to you.  You, the one who tells your neighbor to not take the Lord's name in vain, yet yourself worship money and other worldly idols.  Is that not blasphemy too?  Oh you hypocrites, look within you before pointing out the sins of others.  For the Lord says:

"You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye."
Matthew 7:5

"You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, when he said: ‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’”
Matthew 15: 7-9

"Do you suppose, O man, you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself, that you will escape the judgment of God?"
Romans 2:3

So why then do we insist on condemning others when we too are condemned by such actions.  Why is it easier to see the errors of others but feel ourselves sinless.  Truth be told, we should all consider this.

I am guilty...

when I am interested more in outward ceremony then hard commitment

when I am interested more in religious tradition rather than biblical teaching

when I am interested more in appearances then the approval of God

May the Lord in heaven forgive us, guide us and allow us to remain humble while we seek the word of God, and not worldly pleasures.  Amen!