Hypocrites!

Hypocrites!

I was having a conversation with someone the other day who expressed they do not go to Church because there are hypocrites there. I explained that there are hypocrites everywhere (even outside of Church) and that it should not stop us from going to Church.  

I pondered more on the topic as I studied the Bible today.  Yes, when you go to Church,  you will find some who are hypocrites.  A hypocrite is a person who puts on a false appearance - it is a person who claims to be a Christian yet lives opposite to Christian morals and Biblical teachings. 

Jesus addressed the topic of hypocrites in the Church in Matthew 6:2 - "Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, AS THE HYPOCRITES DO IN THE SYNAGOGUES and in the streets, that they may have glory of men...."

AND IN THE STREETS? You will also find hypocrites in the streets (outside of the Church). Remember,  a hypocrite is a person who claims to be a Christian yet lives opposite to Christian morals and Biblical teachings. Yes, you will find those within the Church who claim to be a Christian yet are hateful,  spiteful,  bitter, rebellious,  gossipy, backbiting, etc. Their heart is not right. 

But there are also those who claim to be a Christian, yet they do not go to Church and live opposite to Christian morals and Biblical teachings (cussing, drinking, fornication, and so on).

I'm not casting stones,  but would that not also fall under the description of a hypocrite?  It is something to seriously ponder on.  

There were hypocrites at the synagogue yet that did not stop Jesus from going.  We should not and cannot let that stop us from going to church either lest we be found to be a hypocrite as well.  I'm not casting stones -  I'm reaching for souls.  That is one of many deceptive reasons the devil has created to keep people out of Church.  Don't fall for it.