Spiritual Forgery
So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. Matthew 6:2
And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. Matthew 6:5
When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. Matthew 6:16
Insight
An odd entry on my Bucket List is visiting the world-famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas, where the reality television show Pawn Stars films. This show consists of the historical information of Antique Roadshow mixed with a huge dose of family fun.
Customers come into the shop looking to sell or pawn the most random artifacts. Before Rick, Corey, or my favorite, Chumlee, haggle over the price, the guys must determine if the item they are looking at is legitimate and worth the cash.
Real or fake? Authentic or counterfeit? Genuine or a complete fraud? When they're stumped and need advice, the boys bring in local experts, who are only a phone call away and somehow never busy through the magic of television. The experts provide some insight and then confirm whether the customer will see green or exit the doors with empty pockets.
In Matthew 6, Jesus speaks about a different type of fraud and how this cheap imitation is no value. On three occasions, Jesus describes the religious folks of His day as hypocrites. They followed the rules and engaged in spiritual disciplines, like giving to the less fortunate, prayer, and fasting.
To the untrained eye, these individuals appear to be the epitome of faith. They looked good on the outside. They seemed to have it all together. One would think they were the real deal. However, Jesus saw through their facade and noticed the spiritual forgery taking place.
Instead of living for an audience of One (God), the religious leaders performed their duties in hopes the adoring crowds (man) would notice and cheer. According to Jesus, they received their short-sighted and empty reward in full.
Even though they honored God with their lips, Jesus knew that their hearts were far from Him. If we're not careful, we can find ourselves in the same spot. Our human tendency is to live for the applause.
God doesn't desire artificial obedience. Sacrifice minus a sincere heart is simply an obligation. Jesus wants us to be honest about the one thing we can hide from everyone else - our motives. That is what determines the genuineness of our words and actions. Don't shortchange your motives; they matter more than you realize.
Reflection
Where are you prone to hypocrisy? What makes you susceptible to slip up in this area?
How can you be proactive in taking steps to prevent yourself from settling for hypocrisy in this situation?
Prayer
God, search my heart and expose where hypocrisy resides. Shine a light on my ulterior or selfish motives. May I confront those circumstances where I am seeking the admiration of others at the expense of resting in the security of Your approval. I want to love others from a place of genuine concern and care. In Your name, Jesus. Amen.