Is it possible to live a life free of hypocrisy?

[David from New Bern]

The number one excuse by non-christians for not associating with us is..."the church is full of nothing but a bunch of hypocrits." The word means actor or one playing a role. It really surprises them when I say, "you are exactly right, we are all a bunch of hypocrits." Now, I'm convinced that we may be capable to maintain hypocrisy-free extended periods of time, but in this earthly existence we are never completely free of the contradiction of our actions not matching our desires. What do you think? Are we all hypocrits?

[traveller]

In the context of our flesh and spirit conflicting, then absolutely we are.

Rom 7:15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.

I wish I could say that I am always content and happy with how I conduct myself, but I cannot. Nor can I say that my words always bring glory and honor to Jesus, for the opposite is true.

[jenni211]

I think we are all "hypocrites" at some point every day! If you say one thing but think something else... you are a hypocrite. It is a part of our world to day.

Jennifer

[Times]

The number one excuse by non-christians for not associating with us is..."the church is full of nothing but a bunch of hypocrits." The word means actor or one playing a role. It really surprises them when I say, "you are exactly right, we are all a bunch of hypocrits." Now, I'm convinced that we may be capable to maintain hypocrisy-free extended periods of time, but in this earthly existence we are never completely free of the contradiction of our actions not matching our desires. What do you think? Are we all hypocrits?

We are by nature, but we are supposed to be wroking toward perfection, which we will never reach in this lifetime. Just work- ing toward that end. I think 9 times out of 10 when a person makes that statement it is just an excuse to run from God.

[Electric Angel]

Everyone is a hypocrite, atheists included.

I've yet to meet one person - atheist, Christian, or anything between or beyond - who has never told a lie. On the same token, I've never met anyone who likes being lied to.

In other words: It's okay for them to lie, but it's not okay for other people to lie to them.

People who condemn people for being hypocrites are either hypocrites themselves or they're Jesus Christ.

This doesn't mean we should adopt a lukewarm attitude towards hypocrisy. Perfection must be our standard. I'm just saying that everyone is in the same boat.

[Rober H]

People that say things like that are "pots calling the kettles black".

It is an excues a ruse and a smokescreen.

That kind of trash rationalization for remaining in an unsaved state won't cut it with a Holy God.

They will stand or fall based on God's standards.

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

They won't be able to say, "well I might have found you Lord but your church was filled with phony hypocrites".

If they know that some people are phony and hypocritical then they have no excuse for remaining phony and hypocritical themselves.

[thechild]

the truth is supreme. jesus said he was the truth. so any time you speak the truth, you cant help but remain in him. it is very hard to remain in the light if we lie, cheat, steal, lust, etc. it is easier not to do those things than it is to take responsibility for those things. consider the life of christ to be the reversal of the sin of adam:

Job 31:33

If I covered my transgressions as Adam, by hiding mine iniquity in my bosom:

nobody likes to be wrong, especially in a society such as ours which takes such glee in retribution, but when we are we need to own up to it. that is not being a hypocrit, that is being human.

i would also add that those who find fault with christianity in general have a point when they find people proclaiming righteousness and practicing iniquity instead. some are quite adept at it and rarely if ever get caught, by anyone able or willing to do something about it. the lord says they have their reward.

[Rober H]

There are hypocrites who own up to their hypocrisy and those who don't.

We need to be people who try to live holy lives not use the hypocrisy of others or deny our own to remain blind and in a state of sin and denial.

There is no "good excuse" for denying Christ.

John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

[sisterinchrist]

No one is perfect and we all sin. I can't really say that we are all hypocrites. A hypocrite to me is someone that intentionally sins. The ones that goes to church wanting everyone to think that they are holier than thou. I believe we go to church to be healed of such sins. If we are true christians. Kinda like a hospital. But spiritual and can be physical and emotional healing too. But that is my 2 cents.

[Christian]

No David, I would not say that we are all hypocrites, as it would be a very broad and unfair generalization. Their are certainly hypocrites among us which tarnish the good name of Christ, but sincere Christians will own up to their faults which we all certainly possess.

Blessings,

-CC-