Everyone has been hurt by people who are “two-faced” and insincere. You know… those people who say one thing to your face and another behind your back. Sincerity is the opposite of hypocrisy. Jesus devoted the entire 23rd chapter of Matthew to this subject. He “labeled” the hypocrites as whitewashed sepulchers which appear beautiful outwardly, but within are full of dead men’s bones. What a graphic indictment!
People who are secure enough to be themselves are not afraid to be transparent. What you see is what you get! You never have to second-guess hidden innuendos and try to read between the lines. Sincerity is on our “Most Wanted” list because it is genuine and trustworthy.
Romans 12:9 (AMP)
“Let your love be sincere (a real thing)… Hold fast to that which is good.”
Practical Application and Assignments:
The words, “Sincerely Yours,” are often nonchalantly used before a signature on a personal card or letter to indicate a message that is genuinely unpretentious and conscientious.
- Study the genuine. Bank tellers are trained to recognize counterfeit money by scrutinizing the genuine. When compared to sincerity, insincerity is easily identified because it is so superficial and shallow.
- Check the “label” you are wearing. We live in a label conscious society. A fake is made up of synthetic “look-a-like” substitutes. Any product labeled genuine has to pass the test of authenticity. For example, pure gold had to go through the fire to be purged of any impurity. Can you pass the test? Will it reveal that your label is a phony or the real thing?
- Be the genuine. Sincerity evaporates the moment insincerity shows up, but instantly returns when it is apologetically acknowledged. A sincere heart can pass the test. Are “Sincerely Yours,” empty words or a genuine expression from your heart?
“Let my heart be sound, (sincere, and whole hearted, and blameless) in Your statutes…” Psalm 119:80 (AMP)