I have been in the ministry for over 40 years.

I have, in that time, served three different churches in vastly different communities.

I have observed many changes in the church and our country over these past four decades, and many of them are heartbreaking.

I am not sure how it got started, but one of the most disturbing lies about the church is that they are filled with perfect people who are just better than everyone else.

The truth is that Christians are not now, nor have they ever been, perfect people. What we are is a forgiven people, and there is a big difference between those two realities.

Another statement often spat at me is that, “The Church is full of hypocrites!” It is said in such a way to make one believe that the Church is unique in this character flaw.

Let’s take a step back and consider this word hypocrite. According to Merriam Webster’s online dictionary, “The word hypocrite ultimately came into English from the Greek word hypokrites, which means “an actor” or “a stage player.” Greek actors were all men, and they wore costumes and masks to communicate the role they were playing — in essence, a person who pretended to be someone they were not.

Furthermore, it may surprise you to know that the word has largely been brought into English by the Bible. More surprisingly still is the only person in the Bible to use this word was Jesus. Jesus, like many in the world today aimed the term at “religious” people.

By now you may be thinking, “Ah-ha, I was right! The church IS full of hypocrites.”

Whenever anyone makes this declaration to me, I quickly and eagerly affirm their observation.

Those of us who are daily striving to live out the principles and precepts taught in the Bible often fall short of our beliefs and are hypocritical to the faith we call our own.

So, the long answer is, yes, the church is full of hypocrites. However, before you begin to gloat, I would like to remind you that we are all hypocrites!

Such as the vegetarian who orders the cheeseburger when no one is watching, or the political conservative or liberal who votes for the “other” candidate because they check more of their boxes.

Corporations, civic and service clubs are filled with hypocrites who regularly betray their fundamental beliefs, charters and guidelines. We know we should recycle, but many do not. We pour paint products and prescription drugs down our drains to the detriment of all.

We all betray our beliefs and principles now and then, whether that be intentionally or unintentionally or even just bowing to peer pressure or convenience.

My friends, hypocrisy is one of the fatal flaws of the human condition.

So come on down and give one of our local churches a try.

Yes, they have hypocrites there and when you walk through the door, they will have one more.

Churches are not filled with perfect people! They are filled with wounded, damaged, and imperfect people struggling together to make our families, churches, communities — and our world — better places.

Stop making excuses and check one out! You might find that you actually fit in!

It’s at least something to think about.

James Weaver is the pastor of First Baptist Church, located at 602 West St. in Cassville. He may be reached at 417-847-2965 or info@fbccassville.org.