ὑποκριτής

If you'd like to stoke the emotional fires in just about any other human just call them this name. Let me explain and translate. Jesus used this Greek root word to describe many of his critics. They were usually Jewish religious elites, most often the Pharisees. The English Standard Version references 20 occasions where this strong and offensive word was aimed at them, including the Gospel parallels. In a broad and general sense these legalists were critical of Jesus' casual approach tho the Jewish law. He healed people on the Sabbath, shared meals with the tax collectors and sinners, generally prayed outside their formulas and pretense, and openly taught the many ways they violated their own religious precepts. The word? You know it. He called them hypocrites. Ouch!

Calling someone a hypocrite is one of the more hostile and insulting verbal interchanges we can aim at another person. An anything goes culture doesn't handle the appearance of judgement people usually see in a charge of hypocrisy. Even more is the universality of human sinfulness, the truth that none of us are without reproof in this life area. To criticize another because of their perplexing or sinful behavior is actually one of the object lessons Jesus addressed with the Pharisees. He said---

You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to

take the speck out of your brother's eye.

Matthew 7: 5, ESV

That's clear enough. It's hypocritical to find fault in others while ignoring our own sinful ways. Ouch again.

A number of years ago there was a moment of personal conviction about a situation in my own ministry life. Yes, I sought to preach God's word with boldness, and serve with compassion, love, and genuine care for our church family. Throughout the year I taught the many themes of Scripture. One of those topics was excess in life. You know, working too long, drinking too much, leisure to an extreme, church busy-ness to the detriment of family life, our love affairs with the techie world, automobile fanaticism, luxurious living, and the human tendency to over-commit, over work, even over play. One evening I was walking through the house and got a gander at me in the mirror. There I was, Mr. Middle Age tipping the scales at 265, 42 inch waist (or is it waste?), XXL sweater, and belt on the last notch. Excess was staring me in the face. Mr. Hypocrite didn't get near the gluttony excess. My bad. Ouch again.

The lesson? Well, the word hypocrite literally references a mask wearer, pretender, perhaps actor. For me the it is the conviction that I should do nothing that contradicts my personal values, the Christian worldview that forms a lens through which I observe life. Yes, and I mean voting as well. Let's get this straight right now!!! In the broadest way I do not know the intimate details about those who read these thoughts every day. Your particulars are basically unknown to me---your worldview, political leanings, religious views, personal tastes, education, favorite team, habits, preferences, biases, styles, or aches and pains. You'll have to line up your life practices and determine if you live according to them or not. The "or not" list may clarify the markings of hypocrisy in your life. All of us should live by our beliefs. Plain and simple. And, vote by them too.

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Why I'm no longer a one issue voter.

Voting is not mandatory in the United States. If you are 18 or older, are a United States citizen, are registered in the state of your residence, and meet that states residency requirements you can vote. Your choice of political parties, individual candidates, and campaign issues is totally up to you. Each of us can review the campaign blather and decide for ourselves which candidates to select. What is more, we have total autonomy in developing our list of voting criteria. Some of us will vote party lines, straight tickets, candidate by candidate preferences, and any other preference list that will satisfy our political whims. I've heard people say they like a candidates position on any number of issues, or the language he used to answer a challenging question, or the color and style of the dress she wore to a debate, or the college they attended, their family life, or any number of non-political identity markers. We are fickle in our voting practices too.

There was a time when I was a single issue voter. Yes, people across the fruited plain, in just about every social and cultural layer of our great nation criticized this decision as narrow and limited, focused on too little, avoiding so much, underneath the big picture. I get it. But, the sanctity of human life was such a significant element of my Christian worldview that I just could not vote for any pro-choice candidate, at any level of government. When criticized or condemned I would just shrug and tell others it wasn't any of their business. Every single last one of us can vote any way we choose, thank you.

But, today, in election 2020, I'm no longer a single issue voter. Truth is, I don't have to be. The Democrats has violated just about every element in my Christian worldview and I'll turn them aside for multiple reasons, not just one. You know, Senator Biden's recent town hall statement about transgender children. Or, perhaps the grilling these leftists have given Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett. Or, some of the religious twists and turns of Vice Presidential nominee Kamala Harris. Or, the Democratic views about Israel. Or, the destructive and threatening language of anti-American terrorists groups. Or, their positions on marriage and family life. Or, religious freedom. Keep going---taxation, health care, education, inflation, the Constitution of the United States, and economic policy. Marxism. Communism. Socialism. Good grief! The list is long.

And, it's not popular in our increasingly secular nation. The Christian worldview on these and so many other campaign issues is just anathema to people who dislike our history, governing documents, national anthem, flag, and mottoes. Then again, pleasing other people shouldn't be on the list of ideals that shape our vote. Here's the deal with this Christian worldview---

For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I

were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.

Galatians 1: 10, ESV

No, God is not a Republican and this dreadful sinner knows that. But, the 2020 party platforms reminded me that I don't have to be a single issue voter any more. The blue party folks have more than enough to shove me the other way.

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Miss Congeniality????

Our sweet mother Esther Holmes loved beauty pageants. You know, Miss America, Miss USA, Miss World, Miss South Carolina, Miss Greenville, and all the ones we could watch on local television back in the sixties. Later I learned about Miss Greenville-Pickens Speedway, Miss Pumpkin Festival, and dozens of lesser venues. Beauties all the way. But, I also remember every pageant having Miss Congeniality, the beauty queen who didn't make the finals for looks but was chosen by the other contestants as the kindest, most genuine, friendliest, most well-mannered among the slate. It was almost as prized as the one chosen for her poise and beauty.

Sadly, a lot of voters think congeniality is a prized trait of political candidates. And, yes, I get it. Who of us wouldn't prefer candidates worthy of some pomp and circumstance, decorum fitting our highest offices, people with some bearing. The sad truth is that politics is a dirty business and most of them have earned their way to the ballot through political maneuvering, smoke filled rooms, and brass tacks, if you know what I mean. And, that's become an issue in election 2020! We flinch at people whose actions and life behaviors violate our standards, or those promoted by the media. Perhaps we should remember that we're not electing Miss Congeniality here. They're not all squeaky clean, sinless humans. Then again, neither are we. We've all got a little dirt in our past. Maybe even in our present too.

That's one of the reasons we have to look beyond them to their party platforms, positions on the issues, and ideals below the surface. Honestly, President Trump and Senator Biden both give me the creeps morally and ethically. If these two men are our nations best I shudder. Then again, we're not electing a priest or prophet, a person who's lived in a closet, or Miss Congeniality. Our President will have to take strong stands against our enemies, display personal strength in the halls of Congress, and deal with the media, a daily ordeal. Somewhere under all that reality there must be some traits that enable them to lead our nation.

So, here they are, Joe Biden, Mr. Congeniality, the U.S. Senator for forty seven years with little on the accomplishment side, and Mr. Trump, President of these United States for four years, and successful billionaire entrepreneur for many more. You know, Mr. Congeniality on the empty Democrat party, and Mr. Get It Done representing the Republicans. One is about smiles, good looks, and good feeling, the congenial path of feel good politics. The other is about promise, results, and production for the common good of the American people.

My Christian worldview isn't about looking or talking good. Let's be clear. None of us knows what is in the heart of our candidates, any of them. That's a God thing to be sure. There is, however, the reality of those who are shallowly congenial, and those who keep their promises and perform beyond a smile. In my Christian worldview it is the tension between saying and doing, the niceties of words against the reality of making it happen.

Pay attention to Scripture---

Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.

1 John 3: 18, ESV

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his

stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on

the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”

1 Samuel 16: 7, ESV

As we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the

things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

2 Corinthians 4; 18, ESV

It's a big deal friends! We're not electing Miss Congeniality. We're electing the leader of the free world! Talking a good game isn't the deal here.

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