A Sportsman’s Perspective on Hypocrisy and Pride

November 15, 2023 / by Pat Gregory

Hypocrisy and pride in the life of a Christian are real problems. The Bible makes numerous references to each and none of them are good.

Hypocrisy is generally referenced with envy or slander (Matthew 23:28, 1 Peter 2:1). Pride is generally referenced as something God hates or with some kind of warning resulting from pride (Proverbs 8:13 and 16:18). These are very strong and sobering references. Let’s try to better understand hypocrisy and pride.

Hypocrisy is defined culturally as “the practice of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one’s own behavior does not conform.” The Bible generally refers to a hypocrite as “someone pretending to be something that he or she is not in order to gain recognition or gain.” Christ repeatedly called the Pharisees out as hypocrites because they gave the illusion of being religious leaders serving God but they generally did it with motives of personal profit or improved self-image—all the wrong motives for serving God. Practically in our lives, hypocrisy occurs when we claim to live a moral life or by God’s standards but, our actions or behavior do not match our words or beliefs. For the sportsman, examples include claiming to be a good steward of the land but leaving garbage on a campsite. Another example could be when parks have a boat ramp use fee that is paid on the honor system but because no one is looking, we do not pay it. All hypocrisy for the Christian.

Simply put, hypocrisy is sin. When we know better and don’t do it, we sin. But, it doesn’t end there. Hypocrisy and the resulting sin, damages our witness. When others know we are Christians and do things contrary to our Christian beliefs, it tarnishes our witness as a Christian. For a watching world, why would unbelieving onlookers want to be a Christian when we can’t even follow simple, cultural rules? Not a good image of a Christ lover.

Pride is also a problem for the Christian. Culturally, pride is defined as “a feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one’s own achievements.” In and of itself, this doesn’t sound bad. The problem for the Christian is pride is in one’s self and in one’s own achievements. This approach generally brings glory to oneself, not giving it to God. Biblically, pride is an excessive love of oneself or one’s accomplishments. It is “improper and excessive self-esteem known as conceit or arrogance.” The key here is self. In our pride, we begin to become self-centered, conceited, and arrogant. We put ourselves in front of God and take the glory that is due Him. Proverbs 8:13 says God hates pride and arrogance. Pretty strong words, but they need to be. Apart from God, man is self-centered, self-driven and self-righteous. Under this approach, all the blessings and results of the good work of God are now claimed by man. Our flesh leans this way and our desire to please people promotes this. Examples of pride for the sportsman can be bragging about the success of a hunt, taking total credit for the results. Another can be being conceited to the point we think we’re above the law and don’t have to follow rules. Taking excess bag limits above what we’re allowed by the law can be driven by pride.

Simply put, pride is sin. Thinking more of ourselves can result in arrogance and self-righteousness. When we know better and think more of ourselves than we should, we sin. Pride and arrogance also tarnish a Christian witness. Christians are supposed to be “other oriented” putting others before themselves. We are supposed to serve others sacrificially like Christ did. When our actions are all about serving ourselves instead of others, it is pride and hypocrisy. Both are sins.

So how do we guard against hypocrisy and pride in our lives as Christians? Maybe understanding the opposite of each will help. If hypocrisy is not walking our talk, walk our talk. Be a man of your word. Do what you say you are going to do. Be on time. Be in God’s Word daily and go to great lengths to follow it. Pray that you walk worthy of God’s calling on your life. The opposite of pride is humility. So, pray to be humble. Pride and humility cannot exist at the same time. Don’t brag. Think of others before yourself. Serve others. Bless others. Give glory to God instead of yourself. All of this is an act of the Holy Spirit. So, pray daily for humility and that you think of others before yourself. This will help with both pride and hypocrisy.

As sportsmen, we need to be the best example of God’s goodness in our actions in front of non-believing sportsmen. Our actions need to match our words and our Christian beliefs. In the outdoors, we need to be considerate of others and put their needs before our own. And, for this, God gets the glory. His ways are best and, when we follow them, He shapes our character to be more like Christ. Blessings all! Get outdoors! It’s a great place to be…

Pat Gregory serves as the leader of the East White Oak Sportsmen’s Group. He is married to Nancy. They have two grown children and 3 grandchildren. He retired from State Farm Insurance where he served as a Business Analyst in the Systems Department. Pat is an outdoorsman and volunteers at the Midwest Food
Bank.