John 10:37-38 If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.

I have tried to express an idea for a week now and have failed to get the point across. The essence of the thought is found here in John 19:38. Jesus is perfect in word and deed. I am not.

I am not what I do. I am not what I say. If I get anything right by obedience of faith, praise God not me. If I fail, know that I am man, fallible yet forgiven, do not see that as God’s failing, it is mine and mine alone to own.

The world loves to scream hypocrite. That is a nasty word. No one wants to think of themselves as a hypocrite not even criminals. They lie cheat and steal but they are not hypocrites, they are true to what they are, criminals who act like criminals. Christians on the other hand, now that is another matter. We carry the cross of Christ, we carry His name, more is expected of us.

Psalm 4:6 There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? Lord, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.

That is a heartfelt prayer and God will honor it, because that is also His will. But will the many recognize His light and His countenance? That is not within my control. I can only own my own failings and hope that my honesty will sway opinion away from hypocrisy.

I am not perfect.

I am forgiven.