Have there been times where your profession of faith hasn’t matched your action of faith? Let me clarify that — have there been times where you behaved hypocritically or acted in a way unbecoming of your character?
Of course there has! Let’s just be honest, you’re reading this now and you’ve already said something or done something you know you shouldn’t have.
They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.
Titus 1:16 ESV
The Apostle Paul writes this to an elder in the island of Crete and makes this bold statement about an entire people group’s faith walk. He writes this so that true followers of Christ would know the difference between walking in faith the right way and just saying the right things without the actions that match.
As a follower of Jesus and as a leader there are three things we can do when we fail to live up to our faith in actions (that is, besides repenting and asking God to heal you).
Admit and apologize for your detestable actions
No matter how disappointed people are, they will appreciate your vulnerability and receive you (in time). Failing to admit your actions were wrong will only cause people to question your integrity and judgment. By apologizing to the people who follow you, they will be more open with you despite the scars or sadness.
This is not only a Christian practice, it’s also a good leadership lesson. Try it out and be vulnerable. You will win many more empathetic and sympathetic hearts.
Ask for help
You admitted your shortcomings and you apologized. Now you have to ask them for help. This takes you outside of your comfort zone. But it will also take your followers out of theirs. That’s okay, because when you placed your faith in God, you did so because you knew you needed help. Asking for help does not negate your leadership or your walk of faith, rather it shows authenticity and will increase your commitment to your people and their commitment to you.
Practice your faith more
The more you practice your faith, the more your actions will match your faith. The less your faith will be hypocritical. I think one of the reasons the Creteans were found to be so unfit was because they didn’t practice their faith. I bet you can name a few people who need to practice what they preach. It’s no different with us. If we don’t want to become hypocritical, or worse, fail our integrity, then we need to practice what we believe more. If you want to know how, then learn some spiritual disciplines. It will help you. I listed 6 disciplines below:
- fasting (skipping a meal or another regular activity to seek greater nourishment from God)
- sacrifice (giving beyond what seems reasonable to remind us of our dependence on Christ)
- study (spending time reading Scripture and meditating on its meaning and application)
- worship (giving praise and adoration to God);
- prayer (talking and listening to God about your relationship with Him and the needs of others)
- confession (regularly admitting your sins to God, to others you’ve sinned against, and to trusted individuals)
When we do the three things at times we fail to live up to our faith, then we can avoid being labelled the “they” the Apostle Paul talks about.
Prayer: Father, help us when we fail. Because when we fail, we become like the Creteans: denying you, detestable, and disobedient. We trust Jesus saved us from our rebellion, now send your helper, the Holy Spirit, to fill our minds and hearts so that our actions match the salvation we freely received. Help us be role models that love you and love others wholeheartedly by practicing the faith we were taught. We pray in Jesus name. Amen.
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