Being a Hypocrite and Double-Minded Man

[NITE OWL]

New christians are just that....new. The concept of God is a whole new thing to them. We've all done it and for those who haven't...you're special.

You have remember, new converts come from a world where everything can be seen, touched, picked up, whatever. The idea of putting your trust in something you can't see or touch is totally foreign to them.

They're like little children. They're all nice and well behaved until you turn your back. Then they're writing on the walls, carrying the cat around by the tail, got their hand in the cookie jar. Doing everything they shouldn't. But as they grow, their behavior changes.

The same is true for new christians. As they learn more about God, their attitude toward the world starts to change. This doesn't hold true for everyone. Some people think church attendance is all that's needed to get into heaven. There are even ministers out there that deny the existance of Christ.

Hypocrites are a part of life. They were here long before you and I were even thought of and will be here long after we're forgotten.

The important thing for us is to not let them interfere with our walk with the Lord.

You can't let their behavior come between you and what's important. By getting angry you're only hurting yourself. If they're causing you to stumble, turn around and walk away. Let the Lord deal with them.

If you can aid them in their walk then by all means, have at it. But if there's nothing you can do, leave it alone. In the end the Lord will put everything right.

The important thing is you. Don't let these people rattle you.

Anyway, that's about all I got for now.

You have a good one.

[roc_rus]

I agree, people get so cought up in what people know about them or see them do, that diregard the allseeing all knowing God. I believe the church body has lost the thing called accountability. We do not address (lovingly of course) the things people do that bring shame and disregard the church and Christ. As long as they come give offering pay tithes and look happy its ok.

I mean if no one addressed the wrong I was doing and they know all about it, I would likely keep doing it and think it was ok, if I was a new convert. But you have those that have been int he faith long enough to know. They take what they want from the Word of God and leave out the rest.

[kittylover0991]

hmmmmmmmm... thankyou for all the posts

[justme7]

i think because there really is nothing new under the sun. on the one point it has always been easy for the world to put things on......business men and women do it every day: they go to their jobs and are one way, putting off one image, but there's no telling who they really are at home. we are a world of salesmen. the main thing we generally try to push is us for our own benefit. on the other point there will always be pharisees who teach and say what they do not practice. there will always be those in our church buildings who have really no heart for the LORD at all. it is very sad.

the most diligent believers will genuinely struggle to be consistently CHRIST-like. it's unfortunate to know that there are many professing believers who are somewhat deceived and some how content to 'play church'.

the LORD's will be done in this Body. sometimes we want to scream and start pointing out who is not what they say they are, but there is great comfort in knowing the LORD sees each of us with perfect eyes.

as to why it's so easy for some of these people.......sin is always easier to live with for those who do not truly know CHRIST.

(sorry for rambling)

[Guest Mr.E]

Well, on the issue of people acting differently in church and outside of church, i think there are a couple of classes. 1. People who really do try to live for God but are struggling in some areas. I would not consider these people hypocrites. 2. Outright hypocrites who dont even try to "practice what they preach" outside of the church.

So why do people like number 2 exist? In my oppinion, they simply do not love God like they claim to in church. They cannot possibly. If they did, in fact, love God like they claim to in church, they would not live like they do outside of the church. I imagine if you asked 4 people the question "How much to you love God" and 2 of them were hypocrites and 2 were not, all 4 would say "With all my heart" and the hypocrites might even believe the lie they are telling. However, if they truly loved God with all their heart, they would keep His commandments, and live a life dedicated unto Him at all times, living at all times to please Him.

Just my 2 cents.

BTW I'm new here, so.....whatup.

-E

[PwrInTheBld]

Kittylover,

I haven't read all the replies, I'm just responding to your opening post so, forgive me if this has been covered

This is nothing new....people being one way in church then another outside of it. Thinking they can live outside of Gods Word then just ask for forgivness and He'll be our "get out of jail free card".

I won't post the entire scripture....people get in the Word and read it for themselves

This past Sunday, my pastor read first from Romans 1 19:32

then 2 Kings 17:7-20

then 1 Samuel 4:1:11

then Jeremiah 7:1-19 (verses 9-11 here, speak loudly about what you are saying!)

There were a few more reference scritures but, if you read all the scriptures I've put here, you will see what the message was

Then my pastor read something I had sent him....I think I've posted it in the forums here.....about being a "Living Bible"

[ayin jade]

Our lives are a witness, we should always reflect the Lord in our lives, not just at church time.

Ugh, I could stand much improvement too.