Bible Reflections From Scripture Union Volume OneSample

Holiness versus Hypocrisy
Read Leviticus 19:1-37

"Speak to the entire assembly of Israel and say to them: 'Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy….” Leviticus 19:2

Nobody likes hypocrites. Yet all of us have something of a hypocrite lurking inside us. The danger is greater in some oriental cultures where frankness and openness are frowned upon.

‘Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.’ A key element of holiness is order, not confusion. Contradictions and improper mixtures have no place in the economy of God. The Israelites were reminded to keep their covenant with God and separate themselves from pagans and their customs (vs 26-29).

Warnings against hypocrisy, another kind of contradiction, stand out in this chapter. Obvious items falling in this category include stealing, lying, deceiving (one can deceive without technically telling a lie), swearing falsely, defrauding, perverting justice, slandering and using dishonest measures. The list continues. Not respecting parents who are God’s representatives while ostensibly honouring God, offering sacrifices to God while ignoring the needs of fellow humans (verses 9-10 come right after verses 5-8), taking advantage of those who do not perceive what is happening (v 14), hating a brother in the heart while presumably speaking kindly to his face, and others, are more subtle forms of hypocrisy.

Verses 18 and 34 form the climax of the chapter. They can also be translated, respectively, ‘Love your neighbour who is as you are’ and ‘Love him (the alien) who is as you are’. If we do not love someone whom God has created, that is certainly hypocrisy!

Holy God, let Your searching light expose and expel the hidden contradictions in my heart.

Create and maintain an atmosphere at home where straight-dealing is rewarded. This will be a good training ground for the whole family.