How Not to Be a Hypocrite

One of the most common criticisms of Christians is that they are hypocrites, and it is worth asking honestly whether that charge is true. Hypocrisy, as Paul defines it in Galatians 2, is claiming the truth of the gospel without living the truth of the gospel. The gospel does not say Christians are better than anyone else. It says we all need Jesus equally. The path out of hypocrisy is not trying harder to be good. It is dying to yourself so that Christ can live through you. When we truly understand that we are already accepted by God through faith in Jesus, obedience flows from gratitude rather than fear. The answer to hypocrisy is not more effort. It is more surrender.