INTRODUCTION

Hypocrisy requires effort. At times, the level of effort is greater than what would be necessary to do right. The sinful heart will always choose hypocrisy over genuine righteousness. In the beginning, hypocrisy is not as easily demonstrated, but, as the individual practices hypocrisy, it is perfected. Little children do not often understand hypocrisy. They speak and do as they see fit, regardless of how it makes someone else feel. Over time, adults teach the children how to hide things and pretend to be something that they are not. Eventually, the honest, transparent child grows into a deceptive, hypocritical adult. How do they do so? By practise. From whence does this originate? A heart filled with iniquity.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For smaller children) Absalom put great effort in trying to take the kingdom from his father David. He appeared as though he was good, but was actually false and faithless (2 Samuel 15:1-12 [1] And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him. [2] And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel. [3] And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee. [4] Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice! [5] And it was so, that when any man came nigh to him to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed him. [6] And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel. [7] And it came to pass after forty years, that Absalom said unto the king, I pray thee, let me go and pay my vow, which I have vowed unto the LORD, in Hebron. [8] For thy servant vowed a vow while I abode at Geshur in Syria, saying, If the LORD shall bring me again indeed to Jerusalem, then I will serve the LORD. [9] And the king said unto him, Go in peace. So he arose, and went to Hebron. [10] But Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, As soon as ye hear the sound of the trumpet, then ye shall say, Absalom reigneth in Hebron. [11] And with Absalom went two hundred men out of Jerusalem, that were called; and they went in their simplicity, and they knew not any thing. [12] And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counsellor, from his city, even from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom.
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• Is there a balance between always speaking one’s mind and completely covering up what one thinks? How can this balance be found?
• How can adults cease from practising hypocrisy? When is the practise of hypocrisy usually started? What can parents do to help their children avoid this pitfall?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask God to help you stop practising hypocrisy.
• Ask the Lord to show you the dangers of hypocrisy.

HYMN

Take My Life, and Let it Be

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