I learned something new this week — the word “hypocrite” comes from hypokritēs in Greek, meaning a stage actor.
Jesus had harsh words for religious leaders who pretended to be righteous.
Matthew 23:27-28 (NLT)
Hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs—beautiful on the outside but filled on the inside with dead people’s bones and all sorts of impurity. Outwardly you look like righteous people, but inwardly your hearts are filled with hypocrisy and lawlessness.
He called them playactors pretending to be squeaky clean.
What about me?
If I’m squeaky-clean honest, I have to admit to playacting.
Good morning, Lord. Forgive me for playacting through my day, for pretending I’m a better person than I really am. Teach me to be honest about my failings. Show me when I’ve been out of line, and grant me the humility to say, “I’m sorry.” Give me enough grace to be kind, even when others are being unkind.
Fill me with wisdom from Your Word. Show me what’s right and what’s wrong. Teach me to be more concerned about doing right than being right.
