“I Don’t Want To Be Around Those Hypocrites In The Church”
Glendol McClure

This is a common statement made by some. In defense of their own unfaithfulness and disobedience, they make a failed attempt to justify their disobedience by the excuse, “there are hypocrites in the church.” You know, they are probably right. If there were only one hypocrite in the church, that would be one hypocrite too many.

But, even if there are hypocrites in the church, does this justify one for not being faithful to the Lord? Does this justify their disobedience? Without a doubt, the sin of hypocrisy was a problem in the early church as it is today. Paul withstood Peter to the face because of Peter’s hypocrisy (Gal. 2:11-14). Jesus denounced the scribes and Pharisees because of their hypocrisy (Matt. 23). The Lord denounced it (Lk. 12:1). The apostles condemned it (1 Tim. 4:1, 2; Jas. 3:17)! Oh, how better the world and the Lord’s church would be if there were no hypocrites!

But, let’s go back to the statement, “I don’t want to be around those hypocrites in the church.” I wonder if this person applies this same reasoning to other areas of life? Does the person who makes such an excuse fear going to the grocery store or a family gathering because there might be hypocrites present? If he is going to join a labor union, a health club, or Sam’s Club, I wonder if he does a “hypocrite check” before he joins? If he where going on a plane, train or ocean cruse, would he refuse to board until he was assured there are no hypocrites on board? Well?

Not only does the Bible condemn hypocrisy, it condemns disobedience (2 Thess. 1:7-9)! It matters little if one is a hypocrite or disobedient, the end result is the same; they are condemned by God and lost! Furthermore, if this one who “fears” hypocrisy, dies while being disobedient, he will be lost eternally in the Devil’s hell, “where their worm dieth not and the fire is not quenched” with every hypocrite that ever has been and ever will be (Mk. 9:44-48; Rev. 21:8)!

And last, the one who says, “I don't want to be around those hypocrites in the church,” is a hypocrite himself for the reasons shown above. Think about it!