Dear Child,
I don't even like asking you this question: "Are You a Hypocrite?" It seems so ugly, and hurtful. The truth is I know already if you are, but I want you to examine your own heart. Do you know what else is true? The people closest to you, especially those you live and work with know the answer to this question also.
The Pharisees are a clear picture of a hypocrite. They practiced a lifestyle filled with holy rituals. They thought it was enough to do well. I look on the inside. Is your inner life holy? Are you compelled to do what I impress on your heart or do you follow a list of "do's" and "don't"? Have you ever been taught that I seek a relationship, not rituals and sacrifices?
The Pharisees were very good at religion, masters of religious studies, but still they did not know Me. There is a difference in knowing about Me, and knowing Me. Think about a person that you know some information about like your neighbor or another parent at a ball field or school. You may know where they live, what kind of car they drive, how many children they have, even if they go to church or not . . .but are you related to them. Do you know them as you know your own parents, husband or child?
When you know Me, you are adopted by Me. I am your Father God, you are my child. We are related. The more time we spend together - the better you get to know Me. We have a permanent relationship: Father and daughter. Having a relationship with Me is the beginning.
If you say one thing or act a certain way when "people" are looking and listening, but are frankly different when no one is observing, you really need to take a very honest look at yourself. This is not a surface issue, dealing how you dress, what you eat, and were you go. No, you are going to have to be still and dive into the creases of your heart. The little folds and corners that you don't want light shined into.
Is your heart truly the same on the inside as it appears on the outside?
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