There are too many hypocrites in church!
I believe you have heard it said many times that there are too many hypocrites in church. There are even some who say that is why they do not go to church, thus when they find a hypocrite-free and perfect church they will join. Well a good friend of mine once said that, when you find a perfect church please do not join it, since you will make it imperfect by joining it.
The Christ of the church is perfect. But needless to say, there is a great deal of hypocrisy in the church today. You will find a lot of people in church who parade themselves to be something they are not. I heard the story of an actor who had not had a gig in a long time and was desperate to make some money. So he went down to the city zoo, hoping to get a job feeding the animals. The manager at the zoo had no openings, but seeing how big this man was, he offered him another possible position. “Our gorilla died the other day, and that was one of our most popular exhibits! If we got you a special gorilla suit, would you put it on and imitate him for a few days? We’ll pay you well for it!”, declared the manager.
The guy was so desperate he agreed and did quite well over the next few days. He would dress up in his gorilla suit, beat his chest, and shake the bars of his cage. Huge crowds soon gathered at the exhibit….And the money was good! One day, while performing his gorilla act, he was swinging on a tree and accidentally lost his grip. He landed right in the middle of the lion’s den. The huge beast gave a ferocious roar. The man in the gorilla suit realized he couldn’t cry for help without revealing that he was a fake gorilla. He slowly walked backward away from the lion, hoping to climb back into his cage. The lion, with a very hungry look on his face, started to follow him. Finally in desperation the man in the gorilla suit cried out, “Help!”
Immediately the lion whispered loudly, “Shut up, stupid! You’ll get us both fired!”
Unfortunately, like the “pseudo-zoo” in this story, you will find hypocrites in the church today. Just because someone belongs to a church does not necessarily mean that he or she is a Christian. There are also genuine followers of Jesus who sometimes act hypocritical; there are also those who are true believers who have not lived the Christian life as they should. I do understand that these are facts in the church.
I personally think all Christians should wear a sign around their necks that says “Under Construction”. That is what we really are; we are a work in progress. He is not through with us yet. I encourage you fellow pilgrim, do not get discouraged when you hear such things, for when we appear in glory we will be like Him. However I encourage you to let your light shine before men that they may give glory to your king. The apostle Peter said
“having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.” 1 Peter 2:12 (NKJV)
There’s one thing I do know that Jesus did not say, which is “Follow my people”; rather He said, “Follow me.” He will never be a hypocrite. He will never be inconsistent. He will be all He promised to be in our life.
I will leave you all for now, if we don’t meet again, I will see you at the dinner table in Papa’s house.
Rev. Kingsley Ayesu.