The definition of a hypocrite is "one who puts on a mask and pretends to be what he is not."
Years ago, in Germany, there was a devout Jewish family. Faith was important in their family life; they carefully observed everything their faith required. The father was zealous in his attendance to worship and he faithfully ensured that his son was properly instructed. The son loved his father and had an unusual devotion to him.
When the boy was a teenager, the family moved to another town in Germany where there was no synagogue. Most of the community leaders were members of the Lutheran Church. One day the father unexpectedly announced to the family that they were all going to abandon their Jewish traditions and join the Lutheran Church. He explained that it was a necessary change to help him succeed in business.
The youngster was confused and disappointed. His bewilderment soon gave way to anger and eventually, an intense bitterness began that plagued him throughout his life.
He left Germany to study in England where he started to formulate his own ideas. He wrote a book in which he developed a whole life and world-view that gave birth to a movement that was designed to change the world. In the book, he described religion as an "opiate for the masses" that could be explained totally in terms of economics.
Today, billions of people live under the religious system invented by this one embittered man. His name was Karl Marx. The influence of his father's hypocrisy is still being keenly felt around the world.
"When you fast, don't (do) as the hypocrites do, who try to look pale and disheveled so people will admire them. I assure you, that is the only reward they will ever get. Matt. 6:16
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