FAITH: Pharisees and Modern Hypocrisy

My pastor used to say, "it's not what we say, it's how we act." Have you ever met someone who believed they were a Godly person, only to witness hypocritical behavior? One of the biggest criticisms I hear against Christianity is that people will misinterpret the Bible and use pretzel logic to defend behavior that is morally reprehensible. Typically when it comes to their treatment of the less fortunate. The comments I have heard so-called "Godly" people make about the homeless, mentally ill, or those suffering from addiction would not be acceptable by Jesus' standards.

In the Bible the Pharisees were a similar breed, they illustrate the differences of inner and outer morality. The Woes of The Pharisees is a list of criticisms written by Jesus against the hypocrisy and perjury of the Pharisees. 

In Matthew 23:27-

"Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones and of all uncleanness."

                                    

In modern times the Pharisees can be anyone religious or secular who believe they are somehow holier than thou, but their inner attitude fails to match what they project on the outside. This is particularly harmful to Christianity because it can discourages people from hearing and learning the Word when the representation of Christ that they are presented with are modern day Pharisees. Those with hearts full of bitterness, self-righteousness, pride, hatred, and a judgmental attitude. Jesus is not cool with this behavior.  

Christianity is not only skin deep. Take care that your insides match your outside. Christian values don't end when church ends. I've known people who would use pretzel logic to defend their hypocritical behavior and still claim to be Godly. Now all of us are flawed, and we all sin from time to time. God forgives, but twisting logic to somehow allow it to be okay to treat another human poorly is hypocrisy.

As a child I would interpret the Bible far too literally. Luke 14:26 honestly made my brain hurt, and it almost made me want to give up on Christianity. My logical brain could not understand why the word "hate" in some translations and "disregard" in others were used by a God that had asked us to love our enemies. I didn't understand why God wanted me to "disregard" or "hate" my family, but honor thy parents, but disregard thy parents or I couldn't be a disciple of Jesus? Didn't the Bible say that he who findeth a wife findeth a good thing, but hate thy wife and children... Wait what... 

My dad explained to me that it was hyperbole. That many statements in the Bible were used to merely exaggerate a point and that it wasn't literal doctrine for living. Jesus is not saying saying that you must be willing to give of yourself to be His follower. He's not saying give up all of your earthly ties and live alone and in poverty. He's saying knowing the Lord comes with great sacrifice. I'll admit I'm not a fan of biblical hyperbole.

The lesson here is that we can't literally interpret the bible to cause other's harm or to treat them in a way that logically makes no sense. True holiness resonates from the inside out. Just because someone attends church diligently, and knows their scripture backwards and forwards it doesn't make up for having a bad heart. I knew someone who claimed to be the most Godly person, she could recite verses from memory, but looked down upon the homeless. She would judge and treat non-believers or those suffering from hardships as less than worthy of her kindness. But God asks us to meet and respect others where they are at in life, even if it may be at a low point. Jesus opened his arms to those who were broken, and offered them hope and care. We can all follow His example, by offering love and kindness even to those who might not know Him or who are in a difficult walk of life.

I knew an older lady who would constantly say everyone was going to hell for not being Christian, but she had committed adultery numerous times and didn't see her behavior as sinful. The list goes on and on...

 
It's important that in our walk with God we examine where our hearts are. How we treat people on an everyday basis. It's the little things that count. Rebuke bitterness and embrace kindness. Use common sense, not literal interpretations of the Bible in your interactions. Beware the Pharisaic attitude. 

Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble [you], and thereby many be defiled.

                                                         -Hebrews 12:15