You Maybe a Hypocrite If. . . .

The American Heritage Dictionary defines integrity this way, “steadfast adherence to a strict moral or ethical code,” “the state of being unimpaired; soundness,” or “the quality or condition of being whole or undivided; completeness” (Houghton Mifflin, 1992).

What do you think of when you think of Integrity? I posed this question to a group of adults recently and not one person could think of someone in their lives that demonstrated integrity throughout their Christian life. This was a sad statement to our Christian community, our Church, and families that raised these children. Just so you know, almost all of the young adults were raised in the church, or in a “Christian” home.

When I asked them if someone came to mind when I asked if they knew a hypocrite, every one of them had thought of someone. We defined hypocrite as someone that preaches one thing and then actually does the opposite. Why is it so quick for these young adults to think of someone who does not live the Christian life they profess, and not someone who does?

How does your life match up? Do you come to mind when someone asks them to name someone with integrity? Or does your name come to mind when they think of hypocrite?

Let’s take a little test then I want to show a video, and in my next blogs we will look at integrity and what the Bible says about it.

You may be a Christian hypocrite if:

You say, “The T.V. show was so funny, except for all the vulgar language.”
You say, “It was a great movie, except for the nudity, graphic violence, and language.”
You say, “I was a little tipsy, doesn’t everyone do it? Not like I hurt anyone.”
You say, “We are getting married anyway, so why not have sex? How will I know if they love me otherwise?”
You say, “No one is looking, so they will not know where I go on my computer.”
You say, “God does not mind if I do not pray today, He knows what I want anyway.”
You say, “The Bible is just so boring. How can anyone read it everyday?”
You say, “I am not going to speak up in class or work, because people will think I am weird for supporting Christ and it may cost me my grade or job.”

Maybe you are patting yourself on the back, saying you don’t do any of those things, but how about this list. It is taken from a book by John MacArthur, The Power of Integrity.

You maybe a hypocrite if:

You say you believe the Bible, yet attend churches where the Bible is not taught.
You agree that sin must be punished, but not if those sins are committed by your children.
You oppose dishonesty and corruption until you must confront your boss and risk losing your job.
You maintain high moral standards until your lust is kindled by an unscriptural relationship.
You are honest until a little dishonesty will save you money.
You hold conviction until it is challenged by someone you admire or fear.

How did you fair? Are you a man/woman of integrity, or do you have some work to do? Watch the video and then pray if you are not living as you should that God would help you take the steps needed to fix your life. Get into the Word of God and let it change you, let it draw you closer to God, so you maybe a man/woman of integrity.

If you are a man/woman of integrity then it is important to stay in the Bible, so that when temptation comes you will be ready. As you read, remember that this is God’s way of speaking to you, so it is a form of prayer. Make sure you are talking back as well. Pray constantly.

Ephesians 4:17-19, “This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.”