ESOCS Devotional 6 September 2026 – Don’t Be A Hypocrite
MEMORY VERSE: “Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” (Matt. 7: 5 NKJV).
TEXT: MATTHEW 7: 1 – 12
“Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. 3 And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? 5 Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
6 “Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.
7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 9 Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? 11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! 12 Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
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Many people approach their spiritual lives like actors. The Bible calls such people “hypocrites.” In fact, the Greek word means an actor, someone who plays a role. Hypocrisy is the practice of having stated beliefs that do not coincide with a person’s behaviour or real feelings. Hypocrites are quick to see the faults of others but do not see their own shortcomings. Jesus in our memory verse says “hypocrites! First remove the plank in your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye” (Matt. 7:5).
Hypocrisy involves some kind of inconsistency or contradiction in our lives. It’s not your shortcomings that make you a hypocrite; it’s hiding them and pretending you don’t have any! Note two things about hypocrisy – It’s as natural as breathing and dealing with it is hard. Jesus had a no-tolerance policy when it came to hypocrisy. Why? Because He knew it turns people against God and denies one of heavenly blessings.
One of the many ways which we can avoid living a life of hypocrisy is to ensure we do not judge other people especially behind their back. No wonder Jesus advices in our text that we should not judge because in that which we judge, we are also guilty as charged (Matt. 7:1). We must learn to work on our character and lifestyle and ensure they align with God’s words. This way, we will be able to live a true life with no pretense.
To win the battle with hypocrisy you must first admit you have a problem with it. Only then can the Holy Spirit begin a work of deliverance and set you on the path to freedom. But be warned, it’s a long and brutal fight.
When we live a life void of hypocrisy, we enjoy the blessing of asking and receiving from God, seeking and finding and knocking and the door will be open (Matt. 7:7 – 8).
Don’t be a hypocrite. Remember that God knows your heart. You can fool other people, but you never can fool Him. Let Him transform you and enjoy unending blessings in Him! Here Paul’s advice: “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body” (Ephesians 4:25).
Challenges:
- How do you recognize a life of hypocrisy?
- What measures are you taking to ensure you don’t live a life of hypocrisy
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, help me to put off life of pretense and hypocrisy. Grant me grace to live a transformed life in You in Jesus name. Amen.
FURTHER READING:
Daniel 3: 1 – 14; 2 Samuel 13: 19 – 39; Romans 6: 12 – 23
ESOCS Devotional 6 September 2026
