We often hear people say, "I don't want to be around those people. They're nothing but hypocrites." In their efforts to defend their own unfaithfulness and disobedience, they make failed attempts at justifying their disobedience by using the excuse, "there are hypocrites in the church." You know, they are probably right. If there were only one hypocrite in the church, that would be one hypocrite too many.
But, even if there are hypocrites in the church, does that justify those who are unfaithful to the Lord? How many hypocrites does it take to justify disobedience? Without a doubt, the sin of hypocrisy was a problem in the early church, as it is today. Because of Peter's hypocrisy, Paul withstood him to the face (Galatians 2: 11-14). Jesus denounced the scribes and Pharisees because of their hypocrisy (Matthew 23; Luke 12:1). The apostles condemned hypocrisy (1 Timothy. 4:1, 2; James 3:17). Oh, how much better the world and the Lord's church would be if there were no hypocrites!
But, let's go back to the statement, "I don't want to be around those hypocrites in the church." I wonder if the person who makes this statement applies the same reasoning in other areas of his life? Does he fear going to the grocery store, or a family gathering, because there might be hypocrites present? If he's considering joining a labor union, a health club, or a Sam's Club, does he do a "hypocrite check" before becoming a member? If he goes on a plane, train, or boat trip, does he refuse to board until he receives assurance that there are no hypocrites on board? Well?
Not only does the Bible condemn hypocrisy, it also condemns disobedience (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9). It matters little whether one sins by being a hypocrite or disobedient, the end result is the same; he is condemned by God and he will be lost! Furthermore, if the one who "fears" another's hypocrisy dies during the time of his own disobedience, he will spend eternity in the Devil's hell, "where their worm dieth not and the fire is not quenched," with every past, present, and future hypocrite (Mark 9:44-48; Revelation 21:8)!
And last, the one who says, "I don't want to be around those hypocrites in the church," is himself a hypocrite for the reasons shown above. Think about it!
Ever since I began preaching, people have been excusing their own disobedience by blaming it on other people's hypocrisy. This reasoning is flawed. How does another person's conduct, whether good or bad, justify my obedience or disobedience? When one avoids spending time with church members whom he considers to be hypocrites, by staying away, he defeats his own purpose. How? By his own disobedience, he earns the pleasure of spending eternity with the hypocrites, the devil, and his angels! So you see-you're still going to have to spend time with them. Why not spend a little time with them here and eternity in heaven with God? Seems like a simple choice. (KMG)