SINCERITY

These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me – Matthew 15:8

SINCERITY refers to truthfulness and candour, which perhaps can be better understood through its opposite – hypocrisy. It’s much easier to tell someone what is right than to practise it personally; much easier to talk the talk than to walk the walk. Anyone can talk a good game, but actually performing well is far more difficult. This is particularly true in the challenge of following Jesus Christ. It is not enough to fantasize about faith – we must live out our faith; or to talk about love – we must walk in love. Paul, after giving instructions to his young protégé Timothy about how to preach, reminded him: “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1Tim.4:12).

The world is short of sincerity but full of hypocrisy. People often despise those who tell the truth; who say what they honestly believe; who do not try to be politically correct. Very often, the temptation is to try to figure out and tell people what they want to hear. In a world where words are carefully parsed, sincerity and straightforwardness can be refreshing. Real friends speak the truth in love, even if it isn’t what we want to hear: “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful” (Pro.27:6). Unfortunately, most people settle for phoney ‘selfies,’ sham smiles in photographs and plastic laughter on video. They’re happy when everyone cooperates to produce phony ‘selfies’ full of smiles, even if these are not genuine. But phoniness before God is improper. Whether we’re happy, excited, sad or sour, honesty is crucial; sincerity is essential. Nehemiah did not hide his countenance from the king, and that was the opening for his breakthrough (Neh.2:2-4).

God cherishes sincerity, and cannot stand hypocrisy and “lip service.” He doesn’t want fake expressions of worship any more than He wants false statements about people or circumstances: “He [Jesus] answered and said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from me” (Mk.7:6). Changing our facial expression is easier than changing our attitude, but true devotion demands that all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength agree with God. The Lord despises hypocrisy. Jesus said this about hypocrisy: “These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” (Mt.15:8-9).

Seven times in Matthew 23 alone, Jesus called the Pharisees, ‘Hypocrites’! They were the most notorious hypocrites of His day: religious people who were putting on a big show, and a false façade, but God knew that their hearts were far from Him. The devil is content to let one profess Christianity as long as he doesn’t practice it; whereas, God desires honesty and sincerity in His children. Sincerity in all areas of our lives brings honour to our Saviour. By grace, our lives will honor the One who deserves our total devotion and dedication. As Christ’s disciples, we must live lives of sincere love and unfeigned faith in Him (2Cor.6:6; 1Tim.1:5; 2Tim.1:5). We please God when our walk matches our talk; when we walk the walk!