Hiding Behind a Hypocrite 
 

by Jere E. Frost

The Finger of indignation, with a touch of smugness, has been pointed many times at a brother or sister who fell short of what they should be. ``If that's what a Christian is, then I want no part of it,'' says the accompanying voice.

But the fact there are hypocrites in the church provides no justification or hope for the sinner outside the church. It is an exceedingly foolish argument. It is the equivalent of saying that because a professed Christian fails on one point, and his hypocrisy is so terrible that he (the indignant sinner) does not want to be that bad, that he will deliberately reject God and any profession of following his Maker.

That makes no sense! Think about it. The hypocrite is wrong and will be condemned for it. He is lost, and without repentance will be forever lost. So the sinner who feigns to be repelled by such hypocrisy turns around and does what guarantees that he will share a lost eternity with the hypocrite. He does not break rank with him; he has in fact joined him.

Their difference is not one of substance, but of taste. It is the silly and vain idea that he may be wrong and a sinner, but at least his sin is not as bad as that of the hypocrite. And in so rationalizing he becomes one with the hypocrite in serving that which is evil and vile.

The bottom line: the professed Christian's sin, no matter how ugly and repulsive it may be, is no justification for you to deliberately refuse to obey the Lord.

 

 

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