The Sin Of Hypocrisy

September 25, 2023

Melissa Valerio

The story is told of a zoo that was noted for its great collection of different animals. One day the gorilla died, and to keep up the appearance of a full range of animals, the zookeeper hired a man to wear a gorilla suit and fill in for the dead animal. It was his first day on the job, and the man didn’t know how to act like a gorilla very well. As he tried to move convincingly, he got too close to the wall of the enclosure and tripped and fell into the lion exhibit. He began to scream, convinced his life was over…until the lion spoke to him: “Be quiet, or you’re going to get us both fired!” 

Funny story but hits close to home for most of us. This sin is called hypocrisy. It is acting one way in front of people but being a completely different way when we are alone. The thing is, we are never alone. Our true motives are always laid bare before God. No matter what we say or how we act in front of others, God is always watching and listening. Judah displayed this hypocritical behavior in Genesis 38. After refusing to give his widowed daughter-in-law to his youngest son (against biblical direction), she took matters into her own hands. She disguised herself as a prostitute, slept with Judah, and conceived his child. Several months later when it was discovered that she was pregnant, Judah wanted her burned to death for commiting adultery against his dead son (He did not realize at the time that the baby was his own). He was quick to point the finger at her and declare her guilty when he was just as guilty for denying her a kinsman redeemer. But after being presented with the facts, he humbled himself before God and admitted that Tamar was more righteous than he.  

We are in danger of falling into the same sin of hypocrisy. Anytime we present ourselves differently in front of people than we do alone (in front of God), we are hypocrites. We preach to others what we won’t do ourselves. We judge other people’s actions, yet we have done the same or are capable of doing the same things. God desires a pure life.  Sincere in faith, in love, in mind, in devotion, in action. He wants us to live the truth that we preach and preach the truth that we live. No more masking. No more lion or bear suits. Only open hearts, willing to live the life that Jesus died to give us.  

Prayer: Heavenly Father, show me the areas of my life that I have masked to the world. Reveal to me anything that is displeasing to You. Give me the courage to lay it all before You, for You are the only Judge that matters. In the holy name of Your Son, Amen.  

Action: The sin of hypocrisy creeps up without warning. The next time you are tempted to judge another person’s actions, offer up a prayer instead. Ask that the Lord would forgive them, to send somebody their way to help them, and to reveal anything in your life that might be similar. 

image: freekpik.com