True Hypocrisy

Today's full reading: Titus 1:1-16

"They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good." (Titus 1:16 NIV)

Early in Paul's letter to Titus, Paul instructs Titus to appoint church leaders in all the towns of Crete. He then explains the major challenge Titus will face: "there are many rebellious people, mere talkers and deceivers" (1:10). There seems to be a recurrent theme among those who oppose the true gospel - hypocrisy. "They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him." (1:16)

It is one thing to be ignorant of the truth - to live in spiritual darkness not knowing that Christ living in and through you is the answer; it is something entirely different to say you believe in Christ yet deny him altogether with the way you live.

Today, as an act of worship, give yourself fully to the work of the Lord. Seek to honor God with the things you say and the way you live. Rebuke those who "claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him." (1:16)