As a Christian, I have no trouble admitting that I’m a hypocrite. And in fact, find myself in pretty good company.

One of my brothers in the faith, a powerful evangelist who is now deceased, confessed it thus: The things I want to do, I don’t. And the things I don’t want to do, I do.

This is the classic definition of hypocrisy; that is, doing or saying something that contradicts your stated values.

This same brother went on to confess that he was the “worst of sinners” and, by the way, to write about half of the New Testament.

When I openly confess my hypocrisy – that is, my failures – three very good things happen.

First: I agree with what God says about humankind, that we are all sinners and have all fallen short of the glory of God.

Second: I declare the truth about myself, which is probably obvious to others anyway.

Third: I humble myself, which, combined with genuine love, enables me to share the Gospel.

In these days of vast confusion and terror, with our props giving way and our idols failing, millions of people are open to hearing about Jesus.

If we mean to share our faith in a way that truly honors our Savior and blesses those around us, we might consider what D.T. Niles said: “Christianity is just one beggar telling another beggar where he found bread.”

May 15, 2020