THE PROBLEM
Lots of gadgets in life are convertible — cars, computer accessories, outdoor cooking utensils. With a tug and a snap, you can transform an open-air cruiser into a storm-proof sedan . . . or your handy laptop travel bag into the ultimate fast-paced workplace. Here’s something else to consider: Christians can be convertible, too. I’m not talking about merely being flexible. I’m referring to hypocrisy. It’s a sad but true reality — and it’s certainly not pleasing to God.
WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS
“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 dead men’s bones and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness” (Matthew 23:27-28).
AVOID CONVERTIBLE CHRISTIANITY
The kinds of believers described in the passage above act one way at church and at home, then transform into someone else when they’re with the crowd. It’s amazing to watch: Their mouths unsnap and an endless stream of sarcasms, put-downs and judgmental jabs pours out. Their real identities fold neatly into a standard package of peer-acceptable behaviors. Their faith zips up into a hidden part of their hearts, safe and secret, protected from public ridicule.
The Bible has a harsh way of describing convertible Christians: hypocrisy. Are you guilty of fake faith? Are you wandering through life with convertible convictions? If so, how can you reattach “authenticity” to your Christian walk?
BUILD REAL FAITH
It has been said, “A belief is what you hold; a conviction is what holds you.” Yet a conviction is meaningless if it becomes convertible.
A true conviction must include a commitment to live by what we claim we believe. So, for the sincere Christian, authentic faith is a consistent, unchanging resolution — a determined purpose to follow Jesus Christ and His teachings.
OK, I know what you’re thinking: That’s nice. But it’s much easier said than done. Life is hard, and faith gets messy at times. True, but here’s the amazing thing about Christianity: The key to successfully following Jesus involves nurturing a dynamic, growing relationship with Him— not just following a bunch of rules. In other words, Jesus himself empowers us to live for Him. He gives us the strength to stay consistent . . . and not fold into spineless hypocrites. (Of course, we have to put forth some effort.)
So, why do we sometimes lean toward convertible Christianity?
Lots of reasons. Sometimes we’re afraid our faith will make us look different, and we fear we can’t handle the attention. Sometimes we’re afraid we’ll miss out on the so-called “fun and exciting things that Christians just don’t do.” Sometimes we’re worried about rejection.
These are real fears. Yet our faith will be stuck in neutral until we trust that Jesus will carry us through them. The truth is, we don’t have to fold, zip, and snap into convertible Christians. We can be the same person at home, at church . . . and in front of the crowd. Christ gives us the strength. “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).
DESTROY HYPOCRISY BY . . .
. . . facing it in your own life. Hey, it’s not hard to miss: We say one thing, then act another way; we make promises, then break them; we find faults in others, but overlook our own; we call ourselves Christian, but catch ourselves acting like the world.
. . . going to the Source of real faith. Ask Jesus to help you break free from a phony faith. Ask Him to reveal areas of your life that need work (sins to confess, habits to overcome, desires to commit to Him.) Ask Him to purge the old ways of thinking and acting — especially a lifestyle filled with envy, pride, anger, jealousy, lust and confusion.
. . . striving for excellence. It’s doing your best whether your folks notice that you cleaned up the dishes or not. There are going to be times when you’re going to drop the ball a little, but if you’re striving for consistency in your faith, both at home and at school, at church and not at church, if you’re striving for that excellence, the ball dropping will be less of a big deal. It’s trying to be consistent in your faith. Hopefully people will see that and find it commendable that you’re not perfect but you’re trying to say what you mean and do what you say.
. . . keeping your conversations honest. As Christians, just like anybody, we can fall into the exaggeration department, stretching the truth to make it sound better. I’m talking about those little tiny exaggerations that are put into your talks with the guys. That’s a good place to start, telling the truth even in the little things. 
