In a world where appearances often take precedence over substance, it’s easy to fall into the trap of hypocrisy. We present one face to the world while hiding another, forgetting that nothing is truly hidden from God’s sight. This disconnect between our public and private selves is a dangerous path, one that leads us away from authentic faith and genuine relationship with God.
The Bible warns us about this very danger, cautioning against “the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy” (Luke 12:1). Just as a small amount of yeast can permeate an entire loaf of bread, hypocrisy can infiltrate and corrupt our entire spiritual life. It’s a sobering reminder that attending church or claiming to know Jesus isn’t enough – what matters is whether Jesus knows us.
We often worry about what others think of us, carefully curating our image to gain approval. But Jesus challenges this mindset, urging us to fear God rather than man. “Don’t fear those who can kill the body and after that can do nothing more,” He says, “but I will show you the one to fear. Fear him who has the authority to throw people into hell after death. Yes, I say to you, this is the one to fear” (Luke 12:4-5).
This perspective shift is crucial. While human judgment may feel immediate and pressing, it’s ultimately limited. God’s judgment, on the other hand, has eternal consequences. When we truly grasp this, it changes how we live. We stop worrying about fitting in or avoiding criticism and start focusing on living authentically before God.
Jesus assures us that God sees everything – even the things we think are hidden. “There is nothing covered that won’t be uncovered, nothing hidden that won’t be made known” (Luke 12:2). This can be both comforting and convicting. On one hand, it means our secret acts of kindness and private prayers are noticed and valued by God. On the other, it means we can’t hide our sins or pretend to be something we’re not.
This truth should motivate us to live with integrity, aligning our private actions with our public proclamations. It’s a call to examine our hearts and ask ourselves hard questions. Are we the same person at work that we are at church? Do we treat strangers with the same kindness we show our friends? Are we living out our faith, or just talking about it?
The power of authentic faith is illustrated in a story about a mall encounter. A group of teenagers claimed to know Jesus, but their actions didn’t reflect that knowledge. It’s a stark reminder that simply knowing about Jesus isn’t enough – He must know us. As Jesus warns, many will claim to know Him, only to hear the devastating words, “I never knew you; depart from me” (Matthew 7:23).
This encounter highlights the importance of planting seeds of faith wherever we go. We may not always see immediate results, but every conversation, every act of kindness, every moment of vulnerability where we share our faith can make a difference. God calls us to be faithful in sharing His love, trusting Him with the results.
Living authentically also means embracing who God created us to be, rather than trying to conform to others’ expectations. Just as every person is unique, every believer has a distinct calling and purpose. We shouldn’t try to force our children or ourselves into molds that don’t fit. Instead, we should encourage each other to develop the gifts and personalities God has given us, always with the goal of glorifying Him.
Fear of man often holds us back from sharing our faith. We worry about what others will think or say if we speak up about Jesus. But Jesus promises that when we’re called to testify about our faith, “the Holy Spirit will teach you at that very hour what must be said” (Luke 12:12). This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t prepare or study God’s Word, but it does assure us that God will give us the words we need when we step out in faith.
The stakes are high. Jesus says, “Anyone who acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge him before the angels of God” (Luke 12:8). This acknowledgment before the angels implies Jesus standing up for us before God the Father, defending us against the accusations of the enemy. It’s a powerful image of Christ’s advocacy on our behalf.
Conversely, remaining silent when we should speak up for Christ is a form of denial. It’s choosing the approval of men over the approval of God. We’re called to be bold witnesses, not cowering in fear but trusting in God’s power and presence.
As we reflect on these truths, let’s challenge ourselves to live more authentically. Are we fearing God more than man? Are we sharing our faith, even when it’s uncomfortable? Are we living the same way in private as we do in public?
Remember, it’s not about perfection – it’s about direction. God knows we’ll stumble and fall, but He’s looking for hearts that are genuinely seeking Him. He’s looking for followers who are willing to acknowledge Him before others, who trust Him enough to be vulnerable and real.
Let’s strive to be people who are known by Jesus, not just people who claim to know Him. Let’s live in such a way that our actions speak louder than our words, demonstrating the transformative power of Christ in our lives. As we do, we’ll find that the fear of man loses its grip, replaced by a reverent awe of God that empowers us to live boldly and authentically for Him.
Thoughts from Pastor Toney 