A ReflectAre you a HIPPO?
Do you say, but then do not do?
If so, then you might just be a hypocrite — or as I call it, a “hippo.”

Acting Without Doing

Hypocrites are simply actors and actresses.
They perform outwardly for the crowd but fail to live inwardly for God.
It’s all about acting and very little about doing.

Jesus often spoke about hypocrisy during His ministry.
He did not condemn the sinner who fell, but He sharply rebuked those who pretended righteousness while living contrary to God’s will.

“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites!
You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean.”
— Matthew 23:27 (NIV)

Hypocrisy in Today’s Society

Sadly, in today’s world, there are more hypocrites than ever.
The number of people who call themselves Christians has grown over the centuries — but so has the number of those who only wear the name without living the faith.

It’s easy to say, “I am a believer,” yet live as though God’s Word were optional.
We sing hymns, quote verses, and post about faith online — but do we practice what we profess?

“These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.”
— Matthew 15:8 (KJV)

A Modern Example

Take John, for instance.
John says he’s a Christian, but:

• He looks down on people who are different.
• He talks more about himself than about God.
• When it’s time to give or help, he becomes “thrifty” and reluctant.

John’s problem isn’t that he’s imperfect — we all are.
His problem is pretending to walk with Christ while denying Him through actions.
The Apostle James put it plainly:

“Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”
— James 1:22 (KJV)

Walking the Talk

A true follower of Christ strives for consistency between word and deed.
We must not only talk the talk, but also walk the walk — even when no one is watching.
Faith without works is dead (James 2:17), and belief without obedience is empty.

Let’s not be “hippos” — Christians in name only.
Instead, let’s be humble doers who live the Gospel daily, so that others may see God through our actions, not just hear about Him through our words.

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven“.
— Matthew 5:16 (NKJV)