Daily Devotional
Are You Living in Hypocrisy?
“Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things. And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God?”
Romans 2:1-3
January 16, 2024
Ponder This
It’s time we stop thinking primarily about others and begin to think about and examine ourselves. Even we who are saved may be guilty of hypocrisy. It is foolish to say, “Faults in others I can see, but praise the Lord, there are none in me.” We tend to want to measure ourselves by other people. We want to play the comparison game. The problem is that God measures us by the perfect standard: Himself.
The word hypocrite means play actor. In past times, the actors would put on disguises. If they were supposed to be happy, rather than merely acting happy, they would put on a happy face, a disguise. If they were to be sad, they’d put on a sad face. If they were to be fierce, they’d put on a fierce face. They wore masks. And Jesus essentially said, “In the religious world, there are some who are hypocrites—they are actors who are wearing disguises.” But Paul said in the passage above, “the judgment of God is according to truth.” God is going to pull off the mask; there will be no disguise. The standard will not be profession, pretension, or performance. Truth is the standard.
- Why is it important to confess our hypocrisy to God?
- What are some areas in which you see hypocrisy in your life?
Practice This
Spend time in the Word, asking God to show you areas of hypocrisy in your life. Be ready to confess and repent in these areas.
FOR YOUR GIFT TO THE MINISTRY
Front Porch Moments by Gayle Foster
WITH KEY INSIGHTS FROM HER FATHER, ADRIAN ROGERS
I try to unplug each morning with Jesus with just my rocking chair, my Bible, and a pen.
Having a secret place is very important because I know that Jesus is always there waiting for me. I know where I can find Him! His presence is everywhere, but there are places where it is so thick you can cut it with a knife. You may not even have a front porch, but there is a secret place for you as well. God’s invitations are for anyone who will respond. There is no more important request than the one found in Psalm 27:8: “My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with Me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”
