Nothing is more repulsive to sensitive souls than hypocrisy; pretending to be what one is not. Our English word is traceable to the Greek “hypokrisis,” which refers to the playing of a part on the stage. In the Greek theater, a hypocrite was one who wore a mask and played a part on the stage, imitating the speech, mannerisms, and conduct of the character portrayed.
One of the places where hypocrisy is mainly found is religion. Throughout His ministry, Jesus vigorously exposed and denounced the hypocrisy of many who opposed Him, especially the scribes and Pharisees. They paraded their charitable deeds, praying and fasting as a theatrical display to win the praise of men (Matthew 6:1-2, 5, 16). They sought to give the appearance of being godly, but they were actually blind to the truth of God (Luke 20:19-20).
A lot of people say they believe in and love Jesus but refuse to obey commandments. He once challenged some people by asking, “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46). He was saying, in effect, that their actions belied their testimony. He was accusing them of hypocrisy.
It is highly probable that you know some people who go to church services on Sunday, yet these same people live very sinful lives on the other six days of the week. These people are hypocrites! They have a very shallow type of religion which makes no real difference in their lives! True religion does make a difference in one’s life. Has it made a difference in your life? Or are you playing a part?