Hypocrisy

Well now, that is a strong word. To normalize: A hypocrite is an actor, someone who puts on a mask to play a part.  We cannot stand hypocrites.  Many people I talk to claim people who go to church are hypocrites and that's why they will never go.  And, it is true, it's a sore spot for me too.  I think we need to admit though, that we are all hypocrites.  If we are not in the mood to talk or deal with our feelings, we say we're okay "just tired", or "just busy", or "just hungry"...whatever. 

We say we are "observant" (for those who keep the Commandments of G-d), when inside we are full of bitterness, disappointment and resentment.  We say we're "walking by faith", when really we're hopeless inside and need to talk about it.  We're liars.  Each and every one of us.  We pretend in many ways.

Last sabbath (saturday), the dance leader asked who needed prayer and about 15 of us prayed together.  One lady mentioned about sifting the wheat from the tares.  This is a parable from the Bible.  When harvesting, you cannot seperate the wheat and the tares until all is harvested.  The wheat represents good fruit, or a person who is a Believer.  The tares...those are the ones who are the pretenders.  They look just like wheat, they may go to the same shul, the same temple, the same church, go to the same school, speak the same words, read the Bible right with you.  You cannot tell the difference.  And you know what? Yeshua (Jesus) said to just let them both grow together. 

But, I have all kinds of friends who want to yank those tares out!  Pick at them, leave a place of worship over them, leave community over them.  Leave, yank, pull, destroy or isolate oneself.  Now, do those seem healthy?  Really?

I was listening to a teaching from a guy who teaches Christians about their Jewish roots and he basically says "well, of course there are hypocrites, there always have been, and there always will be".  Why get so ruffled by it?  I must say, I get ruffled.  Everytime I hear someone acknowledge that December 25 is NOT Jesus birthday and yet they teach others error anyway...I get furious in my gut!  You mean you know it's pagan and you just celebrate it anyway?  Everytime I hear about a pastor or leaders hidden life exposed, I think "why did God allow them in that position?", right along with the cat who won't step foot in a church because of garbage like that.  Here is the thing, you say "well Jesus called them on their stuff, he didn't let it slide...".  You know why???  Because he was THERE! He was with them, in their midst.  How is anyone going to "rebuke" if you never go?  Jesus submitted himself to and learned from for what? At least 20 years, 20 years!!! He studied Torah under them, he was bar mitzvahs like any observant Jew.  He was invited to read from the Torah, which means he sat under their teaching on sabbath "as was his custom".

I have some friends who refuse to go to a Messnianc Congregation, are considering leaving one, or won't go to church...because of Christmas.  Look, the pagan roots of Christmas are a huge discussion we can commence on and trust me, I am studied on the subject Biblically.  It's just that its december so it's fresh for many.  But, how are you accomplishing anything for the kingdom by isolating? How is that teaching anyone? 

I had been considering leaving over this issue, and many other hypocrisies I noticed.  I want to be around like-minded people too and when I find disconnects, then all of the sudden, there are so many I want to leave. When I heard this message, I was convicted.  Of my own hypocrisy, my own selfish attitudes, my own need for humbling and repentance.  I recognized the fact that there are people who can look at my life and say I, too, am a hypocrite.  Thank God they don't abandoned me or stop seeing me.  Thank God they don't cut me out of their lives but love me anyway; tell me the truth, and love me.  I hope we can do the same...