Christians: Are you a hypocrite?

Question

I remember hearing a story about a class at a theology school. The class was going to give a sermon to the rest of the school, and was on it's way to do so, but they had to cross the entire campus. On the way to the campus, they had to step over some of the faculty pretending to be homeless people, and they never even said a word to them while the "homeless" asked for money. The worst part is, the class was going to give a sermon on the "The Good Samaritan." - Now, before you bash the horrible people in the hypocritical theologian class, you have to compare yourself to this group of people. I know of people who could preach all day about how high-school kids need to stop dating, but could turn around and flirt with a cute girl with a smile. Christians have to realize what a detriment to the Kingdom of God they can be, when they act out as if they never knew God."If you truely loved Him, you would paint Him better." - Leo Tolstoy. This isn't really a question, but I'd like responses!

Answer 1

Yes, it is sad that some Chrisitans are not good representatives of Jesus. Christians do need to be more aware of what they do and what they say. When we fall we bring down the name of Jesus. We are not perfect. However, we should strive everyday to become Christlike. If we do not no one will see the Christ in Christian.

Answer 2

You will find a lot of people with "clay feet" not just Christians look at the head of Homeland Security who was busted for trying to solicit a minor. Yes you find "title" Christians doing this, you always will. even the best Christians mess up.
but if you think about it every one is a hypocrite in some way or another.
How many people have you seen begging in the street and walked around or children on TV and changed the channel.
Its not a "Christian" thing to help people it is a moral thing to do. Christians are far from perfect we are humans also, who just trust God.

Answer 3

Hi sacrl,

i don't think it can be denied that all people have been hypocrites at some point. The word does teach us that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Christians more than anything else know how short we fall of God's glory often.

While all people are hypocrites-- Christians because of Who they profess need to realize that people are watching them- and sometimes more closely and looking for a reason to question the validity of their belief. The Bible has much to say about Christian behavior and attitudes. Let your light shine before men so that people will see your good behavior and praise your Father in Heaven. (Quite the opposite can happen to where people curse our Father in Heaven- because of our bad behavior).

No Christian could ever claim to be perfect. But i think our consist behavior tells the world whether the love of Christ is in us or not. God's motivation to change our behavior is always love and not guilt. So knowing how much we fall short, and knowing that God still loves us and works with us, gives us the courage to live the best that we can to bring Glory to God.

Hope that helps,

Nickster

Answer 4

I am absolutely a hypocrite. So is every person who has ever lived. At some point in time, we all say one thing and do another. That is the definition of a hypocrite.

It is not a character attribute I like about myself, and I try not to do it...but sometimes I do. I don't know one person who in their life has not done the same. Not just Christians!

Answer 5

Even I have to admit, Christianity does ask a lot from the believer that is nearly impossible to do. How many people really can always love thy neighbor, or always turn the other cheek? Few people, Christian or not, are morally good enough to spend their entire lives helping people. Therefore, few people are actually able to embody Christian doctrine. Where do we draw the line that defines the difference between hypocrites and people who are merely human?

Answer 6

Every Christian is a hypocrite in some form or fashion. I wish that more folks would realize that being Christian means you are saved not perfect. We still sin. We still make mistakes. The only difference is we are aware of it and try a little harder not to fall. It is a human's plight that we are all sinful. God is interested in the condition of the heart!

Answer 7

This is why you must watch what you say and do, that is why being a christian is so hard. Those kids were doing good with wrong intentions which isn't good either. I know that I have contradicted myself in my beliefs but I try hard to just do what I believe. Also, why I could never be a preacher. Im not perfect, and I would just be doing what those kids did.

Answer 8

Christian = human, not perfect.

You guys act like just because we decide to live our lives for Christ, that all desires of the flesh cease to exist. Yeah, we're selfish, have lusts, drink too much, etc. Then, when we do act like a Christian (turn from these lusts, sins by the strength of Christ), we get bashed for that too. I think you guys just are content with being hateful.

Matthew 7:5 Jesus said -
"You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye."

...I have to remind myself of this every day...

Answer 9

I think Christians often act in a hypocritcal manner. The reason for this being, to my understanding, is the many interpretations of the bible they are given. Some of which actual contradict each other. Christians, I feel, should study the history of their chosen religion, including its roots, which are Judaic.

Answer 10

Wonderful story.....People who call themselves Christian are guilty by association to countless stories as this one. I believe in the Most High and Christ, yet I believe Christianity is a an abomination upon the earth.