Hypocrite or Prophet Part 1 - "A Fine Line"

In many cases within our religious world, there is a fine line between what is helpful to the kingdom of God and what is harmful.  When a preacher stands in the pulpit and begins to open his/her mouth, they should do so with great awareness that the words coming out of their mouth is now not their own.  Sermons are created through studying God’s word, the Holy Spirit’s inspiration, the grace of Christ’s salvation, and the gifts and discipline of the preacher.  As the sermon is being preached, the words enter the ears of the audience and settle into the minds and hearts that choose to listen.  Therefore, a sermon, once spoken, becomes communal property and thought.  It becomes a shared experience and truth for the community of faith.  The preacher’s character bears the burden of genuineness and truth.  A preacher who lacks integrity will speak only so that, that act of worship can be checked off for the day.  However, even when a preacher struggles with the very message they present, they are not necessarily expressing a deception of truth.  Preachers preach to themselves first, then to the audience.  Of course, ALL Christians must deal with this kind of battle.  We find ourselves wanting more in our own lives, while knowing that God calls everyone to a higher standard.  So as we call others to follow God, we must be careful not to only ask this of other people.  And if we are calling others to behave a different way because of Christ, then it would be wise of us to genuinely acknowledge our own struggle with the same teaching.  Because when we don’t, people have a word for us—“hypocrite.” 

I want to take some time to share some thoughts on the word, “hypocrite.” There are some truths regarding this word and our culture’s use of the word that need some conversation and thought.  Finally, I want to use Amos, the prophet, and his circumstances to challenge our current cultural idea of hypocrisy.  



Note:  This will be a blog series that will be posted weekly.

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