“and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame..” – 1 Peter 3:13-17
Hypocrisy is defined as “the practice of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one’s own behavior does not conform.” There may be nothing more damaging to the advancement of the Gospel than a hypocritical Christian. When Christians live their lives in a way that contradicts what they say they believe, or Who they believe in, it is difficult, at best, for others to be attracted to Christ in them. In fact, their hypocritical lifestyle usually results in them turning people away from Christ altogether. However, when we put what we believe into practice by keeping “a good conscience,” others will see that we live out what we actually believe! This means we need to be continually finding real, everyday ways to apply the principles we find in God’s Word so that when we are belittled for what we believe, they will see a person committed to Christ, no matter what the cost.
Examine your life today. Are people being drawn to Jesus by your lifestyle, or are you living in such a way that is contrary to the beliefs you hold as a Jesus follower?
