By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo
Luke 12:1-3 "Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs." - NIV
Jesus had just severely rebuked the Pharisees for their religious hypocrisy. So much of what they did was for a physical show of piety but inside their hearts was a different story. So much was done under the cover of the law, their religious beliefs and traditions. But Jesus saw their true motives. They even plotted to kill Him contrary to the law they claimed to uphold. All of it would be revealed for what it really was; pretense and lies.
Hypocrisy is pretense, hiding true motives and presenting something else. People do so much pretending to be honest and committed to what is true right and just, but deep within carry totally different and evil intentions. The talk in secret is different from what they show publicly. Jesus said all these will be revealed. Hypocrisy is not sustainable. The danger with it is that it brings much shame at the end when its coverings give way. It is deceptive, hollow and leaves those who love it hanging.
We may cover up things, lie and succeed with people. But God Who sees all that people think, plan, say and do, in secret and in the open knows the truth even if we use His name to make it appear sacred. He calls us to walk in truth, love, honesty and in the light with each other. We are warned to be aware and to avoid the yeast of the Pharisees, hypocrisy, which defiles our true relationship with God. That’s double dealing with God and Satan.
Hebrews 4:13 "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account."
Shalom children of God.