My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son. Hebrews 12:5-6

 

It’s easy to point out where someone else can improve. But it’s harder to take a look at our ourselves.

 

The word hypocrite came from an ancient Greek word that means “actor.” Today it means anyone who’s pretending to be something they’re not. Often, hypocrisy happens when we see the best in our own intentions while assuming the worst of others and their intentions–like Omari, a builder who paid a bribe to get a work contract, justifying it by thinking about how the money would provide for the needs of his family. “It’s the way the world works,” he told himself. Months later, when a competitor got a work contract through means of a bribe, Omari raged about how unfair and unjust the system was!

 

The Bible calls this type of double standard hypocrisy and likens it to a man with a plank stuck in his eye trying to point out a splinter in someone else’s eye (Matthew 7:3-4)! As comical as that picture is, we all have blind spots where we practice hypocrisy without even being aware of it. Perhaps we judge others harshly for small mistakes while expecting mercy when we make the same error. Maybe we criticize public figures for dishonesty, stupidity, and lust while practicing the same sins on a much less public platform.

 

Ask God right now if there’s an area of your life He wants to correct. The Bible says, “…do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts…” (Hebrews 12:5-6). Hearing God’s voice as He brings your weakness to light affirms that you’re a beloved child of His, being led by His Holy Spirit.