Hypocrite.

I have debated writing this post for some time, but I haven't in fear of what people might think when they read it. I have researched this subject. And, because I cannot stop thinking about it, I feel compelled to write about it! So, here it goes *sigh*.

I feel very strongly about attending church. I have been around so many people who give numerous reasons for not going to church. I even Googled reasons people don't go to church. Here is a list of the most common:

They (the church) always ask for money!
Church is so boring and ritualistic.
None of my friends go to church.
Church is a crutch.
I'm just soooo tired Sunday mornings.
I don't have to go to church to worship God.
And, my favorite, or least favorite really, and hence the name of my blog post (which I hope captured your attention): Church is full of hypocrites! (Or however you want to put it)

The last excuse I listed is probably the most common excuse among non-churchgoers. And, as lovingly as I can, I'm going to tell you why this isn't a valid excuse for not attending church. The other reasons aren't either, but when you make a generalized statement about people at church being hypocrites... well, that sorta makes me a hypocrite because I attend church! (Deep breath... yes, I literally took a deep breath)... Here it goes.

First, there is a common misunderstanding that attending church somehow makes people act and behave differently... they should be better people because of their church attendance. False. A person's relationship with Jesus Christ is the ONLY thing that will change their life (the way they think, the way they act). It is not the action of going to church, but our relationship with God that will change us. On that note, Christians are seen as hypocrites more easily/readily/often than a person who does not profess a belief. People generally have an understanding of the standards set for Christians in the Bible. The Bible defines the way a Christian is to think and act. I don't know about you, but, as a Christian, I FAIL DAILY at living up to these biblical Christian standards. All Christians are hypocrites. They fail to live up to defined standards of behavior. But, there is hope! You can find that hope here.

The next thing: Church is not meant for socialization! By socializing, I mean, gossiping, showing up in your newest fashions so that people will say, "Did you see what she wore to church?" It is not a place to meet and "socialize". Save that for Bingo, ladies (kidding). Too often, we, as Christians forget the real reason we attend church. Its not to make a mental note of who isn't there (for the wrong reasons), who didn't come to Sunday School, whose kids didn't behave during the sermon... etc... get the picture? Attending church is for fellowship. To talk, pray, encourage, love, and most importantly, worship with other believers. The Bible gives CLEAR instructions for church attendance:

Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV): ²⁴ And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, ²⁵ not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

If you are a Believer, and you are not attending church (and are able to), you are being disobeying God. Guess what?! Jesus went to church! Luke 4:16 says ¹⁶ When he came to the village of Nazareth, his boyhood home, he went as usual to the synagogue on the Sabbath and stood up to read the Scriptures. And you don't want to be in the midst of a bunch of hypocrites?! If anyone was surrounded by such people, it was Jesus! Are you better than God? Are you so good you don't have to listen to Him? Are you too good to be around hypocrites? Jesus wasn't.

I love the way Romans 12:4-6 is translated in The Message: ^4-6In this way we are like the various parts of a human body. Each part gets its meaning from the body as a whole, not the other way around. The body we're talking about is Christ's body of chosen people. Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of his body. But as a chopped-off finger or cut-off toe we wouldn't amount to much, would we? So since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvelously functioning parts in Christ's body, let's just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren't.

If you are a chopped off toe, you are a not actively fellowshipping with other Believers. And you're acting pretty worthless! You are not using the gifts and talents (that God gave you) to contribute to a body of Believers. And, we are told to do that.

Ephesians 4:2 (NLT): ² Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.

Overlook faults. Yes. That's what we are commanded to do. I'm not saying that it is easy! But, just as the hypocrite has his or her own problem, so you have yours. It is a fault. Overlook it. Not only are we supposed to make allowance for faults, but also be humble, gentle and patient with each other. Wow. Pretty tough stuff. And by not attending church because of other people's faults, you aren't looking over them! You aren't being patient and gentle and humble.

James 5:12 (NLT): ¹⁶ Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.

How do you do this if you are not surrounded by other Christians? We are not walking the Christian life alone. We need each other. We need to pray for each other. And encourage one another. And hold one another accountable. We need to share our sins with one another without harsh judgement and bad publicity. Its okay to talk about the bad things you've done. None of us our perfect! That is why we need a church body.

Lastly, examine yourself. Maybe you still have guilt from past mistakes that you are holding onto. Maybe that is why you feel like everyone is staring at you or judging you. They probably aren't. And, if they are... overlook it. And get rid of that guilt! If you are a Believer, you are not guilty anymore! Maybe you're harboring anger and bitterness because of the homelife you had. The parents you had who forced you to go to church. Get rid of it. Examine your real motives. Examine your heart. God does not look at your past sins, or your present sins. He loves you. And, love Him back... obey Him.