Hypocrisy

While conducting a revival service in Flint,

Michigan several years ago, I gave an

opportunity for confession of sin. A

woman, who had not been attending the

meetings, quickly spoke. Desiring to set

a good example, she confessed to laziness.

I felt that this might explain her indifference,

but I did not believe laziness was her

problem. I felt that this was not the sin

that needed to be confessed because she

took such obvious joy in her confession. I

felt a need to pray for her. I prayed that

God would convince her of hypocrisy and

lead her to make a true confession. Two

nights later, at the close of the service, out

of a truly contrite heart, she confessed that

she had disliked the pastor’s wife for eight

years.

God withholds His presence and power from

His own children until sin is confessed. Have

you been praying for the fullness of the Spirit

while all the time there has been continued

indulgence of known sin? Even King David

had to cry out, “Search me, oh Lord, and see

if there be any wicked way in me.” Psalm

139:23-24

If you are living with a grieved or quenched

spirit, you cannot be filled. To be filled, one

must be cleansed. Be honest with God,

Confess your need.

Father, we confess our sins against one

another and against the Holy Spirit.

Amen.