Sincerity or Hypocrisy?

Sincerity makes the very least person to be of more value than the most talented hypocrite. –Charles Spurgeon

I confess. Growing up as an unbeliever, I classified most Christians as hypocrites. My judgement extended even to my believing friends. 

To be honest, I often felt judged by them because my family did not go to church, I didn’t know the stories in the Bible, I didn’t pray… 

Sadly, the lives of most of my Christian friends did not differ substantially from mine. My family, while unbelieving, did adhere to a certain code of ethics which resembled Christian values. My parents taught me integrity, honesty and a strong work ethic. Although my believing friends claimed to hold themselves to a higher standard, their lives did not always reflect their beliefs. In hindsight I can attribute this to their youth and humanity. 

But at the time, I used their “hypocrisy” to dismiss Christianity. I sincerely believed I would never become a Christian.

Years later, after the Lord orchestrated certain events which led me to Him, I embraced the faith I once swore I would never own. 

Remembering my own challenges in becoming a Christian, I resolved to never be a hypocrite. I simply did not want to hinder anyone from seeing Jesus.

Almost immediately, I faced a challenge. Presented with an opportunity to share my new-found faith with someone, I waffled. I knew the right thing to do. My problem? I didn’t want to do it. I felt tired, shy, and … a bit baffled.

I sincerely believed since the Holy Spirit lives inside of me, I would always desire to do what is right. I honestly did not know how to react.

If I didn’t speak up, would I be sinning? If I did speak up, would I be insincere? A hypocrite even? Should I be sincere and honest enough to say, “I don’t really feel like doing this. But I know I should talk to you about Jesus right now. So, I am going to do it anyway…”?

Fortunately, a friend helped me make sense of the situation. Yes, when we don’t do the right thing, we sin:

If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them. (James 4:17 NIV)

She referred to this as the sins of omission. She encouraged me to always do what is right, but then to pray for my heart to change. 

Over the years, I found the following Scripture to ring true in situations like these:

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:21 NIV)

My treasures in this world often consist of my time and energy. When I pour my time and effort into doing what is right, my heart always responds. Even in those times when I don’t “feel” like obeying, choosing to obey anyway is the first step to changing my heart. Praying for my heart completes the transformation.

That day, my friend shared with me a saying that has guided me well over the years: 

It’s never wrong to do what’s right.

Whenever I face moments like these, I resolve to do what is right, and then to pray for my heart. Wherever you are in your journey, I pray you are able to do the same.