Shalom,
Today's devotional from Andrew Womack is one that I am excited to share with you today!
Hypocrisy
Is.....
Luke 12:1
'In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude
of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his
disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is
hypocrisy.'
This is the
biblical definition of a hypocrite, 'someone whose words and heart (actions)
don't agree.' A hypocrite may act the part of a Christian or talk like Christ,
but he or she won't do both. Hypocrisy is defined by the dictionary as, 'The
feigning of beliefs, feelings, or virtues that one does not hold or possess;
insincerity' (American Heritage Dictionary). In the Greek, the word is 'hupokrisis'
and means 'the playing of a part on the stage.'
Hypocrisy is
often said to be doing something even though you don't want to or feel like
doing it. It is true that God demands that our motive and reason for doing
things be right, but this does not mean that we always want to, or delight in,
doing something. To do what God wants you to do, or to do unto others what you
would want them to do unto you, is not hypocrisy (Matthew 7:12)- even if you don't
feel like doing it. It is hypocrisy only when your motive for doing it is wrong
and you're not genuinely seeking the welfare and benefit of others. Remember,
Jesus didn't feel like going to the cross, but He went anyway to seek the
welfare and benefit of the world.
Agape love
is described as the, 'love (that) can be known only from the actions it
prompts.' This is not the love of complacency or affection, that is, it was not
drawn out by any excellency in its objects (Romans 5:8).
Christian
love (agape), whether exercised toward the brethren, or toward others generally,
is not an impulse from the feelings. It does not always run with the natural
inclinations. It (Agape) seeks the welfare of all (Romans 15:2) and works no ill
to any (Romans 13:8-10). '(Agape) seeks opportunity to do good to all men. . .'
Let God's love flow through you today.
Be really REAL in your fellowship with JESUS by the Spirit of God within you! HE is ever ready to cause some 'suddenlies' to take place in your life! BE READY to walk them out! Here is Hillsong with "Are Your Ready?":
Shalom in Him!