Am I a Hypocrite?

            Guess what, I started my Life Group last night. Mine is a basketball group. We had a great time playing, cutting up, sweating, and just having fun. It had been a long time since I went out and just had fun playing basketball so that was cool. Although today I realize why I have begun to like golf more… J

            In case you haven’t noticed it has rained a little bit over the last 24 hours. They say it has rained over 5 inches in East Tennessee. That’s not that impressive when you take the 2 inches out of one end of my basement. That only leaves 3 for the rest of you… not a big deal!

            I am learning so much lately. I don’t know if it is because I want to learn or that I realized that I wasn’t really that smart and needed to learn more. Either way, I am learning at a record setting pace. Here is just a piece of it…

            While preparing for a foundations class I came across the “Bible Study and Prayer” section. I wrote down the statement “to get more from your bible you must accept its authority”. Harmless enough until you really think about it. Here is what I am trying to type but it’s easier to say.

            In my opinion (that’s key to remember that this is just my humble opinion) (oh, who am I kidding, I know I’m right), I believe that I know why many believers (I’m trying to stop calling everybody Christian because they really aren’t like Christ at all) stop changing and growing. Not everyone, mind you, but a vast majority. The bible says that, “all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.” Ok, I understand that, but what are you saying? I am saying that this verse doesn’t apply to many of us in the Faith. We are not changing but instead we are conforming more and more.

            And, in my honest, correct opinion, the reason that this scripture doesn’t apply to many believers anymore is because believers aren’t accepting the Bible as an authority in their life. Please don’t misunderstand. And don’t try to read any deeper than what I am typing. I mean exactly what I type. The bible has become a novelty for sooooo many people that those of Faith aren’t taking it seriously. Or at least, the entirety of the bible. Sure, we like John 3:16 and we like Romans 8:28 and those are burned into our hearts and minds but what about others. What about Hebrews 10:24-25 “²⁴ Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. ²⁵ And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” In all honesty if you aren’t trying to motivate others to acts of love (by being loving) or good works (by doing them) then you are living like the Word of God isn’t for you. Or, you might want to buckle your seatbelt for this one, if you don’t attend church regularly, then the same can be said for you too. No, no, no, don’t get that tone with me, I am not talking about people who HAVE to work during worship times but I am talking about people who choose to stay home or go shopping or do “family things” that don’t involve attending church. You have to answer for yourself; I am just making the question relevant. Why don’t you believe that this verse applies to you? There are others but this usually gets attention rather quickly.

            Again, not written in anger or bitterness, this is just something that I learned over the last few weeks. If the bible is God’s word to us then we should listen. It should govern our life. You know what that means, right? Speed limits are set by governments. You break them and there are consequences. Paying taxes are part of what governs us. If you don’t pay now, you will pay later. Very simple illustration:

            When you are driving slightly 20mph over the posted speed limit sign on main street and you notice a slick Charger, Crown Vic, or other beautifully adorned automobile with pretty lights and such on it, what do you automatically do? Yep, me too. Everything is thrown forward as you try not to be noticed while the front of your vehicle dips 18inces where you just stood on the brakes. Why? You recognized authority and you changed your actions (behavior even). Awesome, what happens when you read God’s word? If nothing, then you don’t recognize it as an authority in your life. And, just like ignorance doesn’t work with the, oh so friendly, officer writing you a “Fast Driver Award”, ignorance doesn’t work with God either.

            There is a definite line that has been drawn. You can’t say you are a believer in Jesus and not obey His words. Can you? There should be a difference in men and women of God and the rest of the world. There should be a difference in actions, words, and thoughts. And the answers really are in your bible. Every answer to every question that is relevant to our lives today. Some of them I don’t like. That whole thing about me forgiving isn’t comfortable but I can’t ignore it. In Colossians 4:6, it says that my conversation should be full of grace. Some days I don’t particularly care for that one either.

            Please, please, please don’t be mad. That wasn’t the intention. The intention was to motivate you towards love and good works (you like how I worked that in now don’t you). The real intention was for you to do like I did when I learned this. Make a decision! Am I going to be a hypocrite and make excuses for my life? Or am I going to “Man Up” and make some changes in my life.

            I hope you do like I am trying to do and make some changes. God bless ya!!!!

 

            Pastor Dad