The One Thing God Really Desires

Pretender.

Poser.

Actor.

All of the above well describe the point God was apparently trying to get across when Jesus confronted hypocrisy in his audiences repetitively. We can draw this conclusion because the word hypocrite is given to us by the Greeks and the term evolved from their theatrical performances. It was used to describe masks worn by Greek actors -- as their masks would display a fixed expression -- many times for the sake of humor by portraying an emotion that was the exact opposite of the lines being spoken by the actors.

Understanding that it is from this perspective that the word hypocrisy is to be viewed, Mark 7:6, then draws an even clearer picture of what Jesus desires of us, “Well has Isaiah prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, ‘This people honor me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.’"

God despises hypocrisy because when it comes to worship he doesn’t desire theatrics. He just wants our pure, unadulterated adoration. He wants our hearts.

Don’t just invite him to come into your heart, give him your heart.

---

Watch Pastor Eric's Message on this subject: One Mask You Should Never Wear

The Reason God Isn’t Just Interested In Your Behavior

The definition of hypocrisy is the practice of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one's own behavior does not conform.

The subject of hypocrisy is addressed in the New Testament over fifteen times. On every occasion, it is confrontational in tone. And, in all but one of these instances, it is Jesus himself who is leading the charge.

In his first recorded sermon, Jesus immediately addresses the subject -- multiple times!

Matthew 6:2 - Hypocrisy in Generosity

Acting as though gifts are given from a desire to serve others when in truth the desire is to be affirmed by the public.

Matthew 6:5 - Hypocrisy in Prayer

Acting as though prayer is being offered in sincerity when in truth the desire is to be seen by other men.

Matthew 6:16 - Hypocrisy in Fasting

Acting as though fasting is taking place out of hunger for God when in truth the desire is to be acknowledged by others as religious.

Matthew 7:5 - Hypocrisy in Judgement

Acting as though we are concerned about the smallest of things in someone’s life when in truth we desire to divert attention from the big issues in our own life.

Clearly, Jesus’ preference for us doesn’t fully align with Webster’s definition of hypocrisy. Because according to verses we’ve just read, Jesus isn’t solely interested in our behavior. Instead, he desires that we will do all things -- behave at all times -- with purity in our ambition. And, according to his own words, when this approach takes precedence in our lives, we will get to partner with Him in whatever it is that we have committed to, “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.”

Invite God to reveal your heart to you. Is there any place in your innermost being that needs more sincerity and authenticity? If so, pray Psalm 51 over your life and invite God to give you a clean heart.

---

Watch Pastor Eric's Message on this subject: One Mask You Should Never Wear

Which One Did God Believe?

A man sat through a church service and then on the way home he fussed about the sermon, he fussed about the traffic, he fussed about the heat, and he fussed about the lateness of the meal being served. Then he bowed and prayed. His son was watching him all the way through this post-church experience.

Just as they were beginning to pass the food he said, “Daddy, did God hear you when we left the church and you started fussin’ about the sermon and about the traffic and about the heat?”

The father sort of blushed and said, “Well, yes, son, He heard me.”

“Well, Daddy, did God hear you when you just prayed for the food right now.”

And he says, “Well, yes, son, He… He… He heard me.”

“So, well, Daddy, which one did God believe?”

--Spiros Zodhiates, Behavior of Belief

---

Watch Pastor Eric's Message on this subject: One Mask You Should Never Wear