Prayer not Answered

Does the non-answer of prayer concern you, or have you rationalised this away by saying that God sometimes wants us to wait for the answer? Do you want to make a show of how spiritual you are by pretending to "wait for the Lord"? True, God does want us to wait quite often, but dare we make this an excuse for unconcern when the answer does not come? The Puritan, William Gurnall, says that lack of concern indicates hypocrisy.

But another thing: hypocrisy can be seen in Christians who pray for greater godliness but who still hold on to their corruptions. That also is hypocrisy, and shows lack of sincerity, and lack of genuineness. Outwardly religion will pray for right things, but it is not prepared to pay the price for true holiness. We want holiness of life, but we still love corruption.

Further, hypocrites pray for greater godliness, but see no growth in grace. Growth proves life. No growth, no life. they pray for the right things. But if there is no growth, the prayer is insincere. Here is where hypocrisy will show itself.

Mere outward religion does not make anyone a Christian. "For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly," says Paul in Rom.2:28. Similarly, "he is not a Christian who is one outwardly." And how many outward Christians there are in the churches. They have made a profession of faith, attend the Lord's Supper regularly, and are involved in church activities. hey may even hold office in the church, and yet not be a Christian. They might be a good, upright person, and not be a Christian. They may even do many good things,and still not be a Christian.

Another point is: the hypocrite shifts his sails and flies whatever colours the world unfurls before him. He is like a chameleon, a shifty character who simply goes with the flow and want to be "all things to all men" in wrong sense. He takes path of least resistance. You don't know when have them, and it is very hard to trust such people. He always knows what to say, and to whom. he changes his story to suit. He agrees with you now, then when someone says the opposite, he agrees with them. Such people are too white. They can appear as religious as next man when it suits them.

Does this describe your life?