Hypocrites, Part 4

How do I avoid hypocrisy? That is, how do I live my life increasingly to please God rather than people? Even though my predominate and growing perspective is to please God, I still struggle with the desire to polish my public image. I try to keep that desire in check by publicly confessing my sins. If I am teaching about temptation, I might share my struggle to think (and say) unkind words about my son’s coach who gives my son little playing time. (Doesn’t he understand he is coaching a future NBA star?!) Or if I am encouraging husbands to develop a Christ-like love for their wives, I might confess that I watched a three hour football game when I knew Cathy needed help with the housework. Whenever I teach God’s word I make it a point to share at least some aspect of my own battle to live out that truth.

My sole goal is to turn people to the true physician, Jesus Christ. Bernie Schock doesn’t have any answers. When I maintain that perspective, I don’t worry about my public image. I leave my public relations in God’s hands.