By Dr. Bill Lewis

Written for the April 2006

Georgia State Association of FWB Promotional Bulletin

He made free use of Christian vocabulary. He talked about the blessing of the Almighty and the Christian confessions which would become the pillars of the new government. He assumed the earnestness of a man weighed down by historic responsibility. He handed out pious stories to the press, especially to the church papers. He showed his tattered Bible and declared that he drew the strength for his great work from it as scores of pious people welcomed him as a man sent from God (quoted from Today in the Word, June 3, 1989).

Who is the man that is being described in the quote above? What great man are they referring to in this story? Today in the Word continues the paragraph above by saying, “Indeed, Adolf Hitler was a master of outward religiosity--with no inward reality!” Few people today consider Hitler a religious man, but many did as he rose to power in Germany. History has revealed many would be saviors to be only wolves in sheep’s clothing. Men and women bent on deceiving others by acting a part.

It is not just history’s villains that have played the hypocrite, many live out their lives hoping no one discovers who they truly are. America is the land of opportunity and the home of hypocrites who live far beyond their means in an attempt to prove to others that they are successful. Church folks also fall victim to the world’s masquerade party. Mark Hall and Nicole Nordeman wrote the words to the contemporary Christian song “Stained Glass Masquerade” performed by the group Casting Crowns. The words go, “So I tuck it all away, like everything’s okay, if I make them all believe it, maybe I’ll believe it too. So with a painted grin, I play the part again, so everyone will see me the way that I see them.” I’m afraid that these words are an appropriate description of many as they slip into their pew each Sunday.

God expects us to rise above the make believe world. He expects us as Christians to be authentic—to be real. Remember the words of the “just and devout” man, Simeon, in Luke chapter 2, “Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed” (2:34-35, KJV). God expects us to be open and honest with Him and with others.

We cannot hide from God. Any attempt to do so is futile. Remember when Adam and Eve sinned; the Scriptures tell us that they “hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God” (Genesis 3:8, KJV). God knew where Adam and Eve were, but He lovingly gave them the opportunity to reveal themselves. From Adam we can learn why so many attempt to hide themselves; Adam responded to God, “I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself” (Genesis 3:10, KJV). We hide because we are afraid that others may come to know the truth about us. We fear being vulnerable before others.

God knows everything about us, and yet He loved us so much “that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16, KJV). It is love that keeps us from condemning each other. It is love that allows us to be authentic—real—with each other. John wrote, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love. We love, because He first loved us” (I John 4:18-19, NASB).

As we grow in numbers at Open Door Fellowship, pray that we will remain authentic—real—in our dealings with God and with each other.