Just Do As I Say

 

 

We don’t have to look far to see the hypocrisy characterized by “Do as I say but not as I do,” play out in today’s politics and our American culture. We are in the mind-numbing throes of a silly season in which the never-ending barrage of political ads are quick to point out the lies and hypocrisies of the “other party,” as political advisors attempt to unearth any opportunity to exploit a situation, no matter how sensitive, to capture the minds of those who really just want to validate their already pre-conceived opinions. 

Thank God we don’t see this hypocrisy in our churches and synagogues! Really…just look around. Protestants and Catholics criticize each other and, in their own way, attempt to keep their clubs “private” by maintaining “status quo.” Yet both seem willing to listen to Pope Francis, up to a point that is, as they acknowledge concern for the least of our brethren who are left out and disenfranchised. But… let’s not get crazy now… will they dare to admit them as part of their own communities? We have rules, you know. Yet perhaps the most pernicious of all rules are not those committed to paper and by laws but those that reside in our minds and hearts. These consume us from the inside out both on personal and institutional levels. 

Jesus was outspoken in his criticism of the hypocritical Jewish leaders of his day who exploited religion to massage their own egos in order to elevate their sense of self-importance. (Matthew 23:1-12). The truth of the matter is that religion has always been incredibly susceptible to being corrupted into just another way for us to feed the unhealthy pride that lurks in the corners of our insecurities. You know, that righteous pride that tempts us to try to make ourselves look more moral or better than others.

When we “exalt ourselves” at the expense of others, aren’t we only reinforcing our own insecurities? If my sense of worth depends on my being better than you, then I will be continually searching for or manufacturing areas in which I am superior. Inevitably we will have to shade the truth and lie to ourselves which allows the malignancy to take up residence in our hearts and minds, and become a vicious cycle of insecurity and egotistical pride.

The solution to that kind of religious egotism is surprisingly simple. We must just let go of our hurt and not just pay lip service to letting go and stop feeding those insecurities. And the way to let go of the hurt is to embrace the central truth of the kingdom that Jesus proclaimed: God loves and accepts us—unconditionally. There is nothing we can do to earn it. Then who are we to determine who is more lovable or acceptable? When we look at others that way, instead of trying to “exalt ourselves” above others, we can care about them enough to serve them.