Day 13 – Beware of Hypocrisy

(Galatians 2:11-14)

This passage is a narrative of Paul confronting Peter on something that is at the core of the gospel. Before this incident, Peter had been mixing with all the gentile believers in Antioch of Syria. Having accepted that the gospel breaks down all barriers, whether cultural, racial, or social. But on the arrival of some people from the Jerusalem Church, who hold on to the Jewish traditions, he separated himself from the gentile believers of Antioch. In order not to offend the believers from Jerusalem who insist that circumcision is necessary for salvation. Peter’s action was tantamount to hypocrisy and a betrayal of the gospel message, hence, Paul’s confrontation.

Be careful not to compromise the truth of God’s word

Compromise is sometimes necessary in getting along with others. But we must be careful not to compromise the truth of God’s word in the bid to belong or get along with others. We tread on dangerous grounds when we change our Christian beliefs in other to accommodate the beliefs of our peers.

Peter was a leader, but by acting like a hypocrite he inadvertently betrayed the truth of the gospel he was meant to defend. Direct confrontation like Paul’s here is sometimes necessary to help restore a brother or sister who is going astray. Direct approach is not the only way, but sometimes needed. Moreover, direct approach is better than backstabbing your brother or sister.

Embracing the gospel challenges us

Embracing the gospel message challenges and requires us to live true to it in every ramification. We are called to stand for what we believe and live it out daily, not some of the time, when it is convenient or when we are being watched. When we live out our Christian convictions only circumstantially, we are guilty of the sin of hypocrisy and a denial of the gospel truth.

We must not allow the fear of people or the pressure to blend into our environment make us compromise on the gospel truth. We are called to stand out and stay true to the message of Christ, not to conform to the world around us. Do not betray the gospel truth with any act of hypocrisy in your desire to be relevant to your environment.

“The fear of others lays a snare, but one who trusts in the Lord is secure“

Proverbs 29:25