Tuesday, August 07, 2007

hypocrisy

Being disingenuous carries with it the idea of one acting and speaking as if they are sincere about something when it is obvious, or at least God knows that they have other motives in play. For example we may think we are doing God a service with reference to something we are doing, but may very well deceive ourselves because we really have a strong self-interest at stake. This is plain hypocrisy and we've probably all fallen prey to it from time to time.

It is good to not pretend we're something more than we're not. We have no end for our potential and capacity for self-deception. If anyone thinks this is not the case than perhaps we haven't honestly examined ourselves in the light of God's will revealed in Scripture and in Jesus Christ. It is best to be modest about what we're all about, than to deceive ourselves as well as others into thinking that we're something that we're not.

Does this mean that we just accept impure motives, or even false motives for speaking and acting? No, of course not. But we do need to realize that we're people in Christ who are in development and hopefully growing towards Christ-likeness, but who still do sin. This endeavor towards Christ-likeness must be individually driven, but it also must exist in the context of community- accepting interdependence in that, and with dependence on God. This will involve ongoing repentance as well as the desire to grow and change, getting rid of that which is indeed disingenous and hypocritical.

What might you add here that could help us in this?

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Ted,
I think it really comes down to need. We've all met people who just can't seem to ever admit they're wrong, regardless of how much evidence to the contrary that can be produced. These people do not believe they NEED to examine themselves--they are as the bible calls them "proud in their own conceits."
It feels good to be right, BUT it feels ten times better to know God is right and we don't always have to be. It's our position; He is God and we are not. What a comforting thought. BUT usually it takes some painful circumstance to make most of us humbled to the point where we see this need and acknowledge it.

Wendy

L.L. Barkat said...

So hypocrisy then is a form of manipulation? That's what I began to think when I stood back to consider this post.

Ted M. Gossard said...

Wendy, Yes. We need to be honest before God and ourselves and then we won't be so dishonest around each other. Though I think this is all a part of growth in grace. Our self-deception is very deceptive to us!

Ted M. Gossard said...

L.L., Surely it can be. Especially when we project strongly on another what might be happening in our own hearts and try to correct that. Instead we have to acknowledge that we're in the wrong and first deal with that, of course.

Anonymous said...

humility...maybe this is what can help us in this.
Colossians 3:12,13
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Anonymous said...

i just read a sermon from a pastor at the friend's church given on Sunday...http://www.greggsgambles.com/messages/07-08-05_blog.htm
and i would like to add this chapter from 2 Corinthians 4...
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%204&version=31
it seems that it corresponds with the subject matter and might be a help.

Anonymous said...

Ted - Great thoughts. I especially like your line of thinking about deceiving ourselves. I have come to understand about myself that I can never totally understand and evaluate my motives. There will always be a shred of pride or a speck of manipulation in just about everything I do. In order to NOT be a hypocrite, I just freely relinquish those things to Jesus, and ask him to redeem my actions even when they are originating from a less than pure place.

Ted M. Gossard said...

Charity, Good point and thanks. I think it is so important not to "sweep under the rug" what's going on with us to ourselves and before God. Nor is it good to act out that part before others, that we're altogether righteous, when we're not. I'm learning, I think.

Ted M. Gossard said...

Nancy, Thanks for your additional comments, the very appropriate Scripture which should speak powerfully into our lives as individuals in community. Also the the other sites. When I have more time I'll get into them. Lately it's been rather hectic.

Anonymous said...

Ted,
You say a lot in a few words. Very good post. You made me think

Ted M. Gossard said...

Thanks, Jim for coming and reading, and for your very kind and encouraging words.