I don't have any use for hypocrites. I'm in jail right now, and I've seen several guys supposedly get religion here, but they admit privately that the only reason they're doing it is to impress the parole board. They're just phonies. — M.G.

It might interest you to know that God doesn't like hypocrites either. In fact, some of Jesus' strongest words were reserved for people who were hypocrites: "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! ... full of greed and self-indulgence" (Matthew 23:25).

Does this mean all Christians are hypocrites, and no one sincerely follows Jesus? No, of course not. Think of Jesus' 12 disciples. One of them—Judas—followed Jesus outwardly, but in his heart he didn't believe in Jesus and ended up betraying Him for money. He was, in other words, a hypocrite. But what about the others? Without exception they were committed to following Jesus, even when it meant prison or death. They weren't perfect—but they certainly weren't hypocrites.

Don't let the bad example of a few keep you from Christ. You need His forgiveness for your sins, and you need His strength to help you live the way you should. So far in life, you have scorned God—but where has it gotten you? The Bible warns, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death" (Proverbs 14:12).

It takes courage to follow Christ, and committing your life to Him may be the hardest thing you will ever do. But God loves you, and your life will never be the same once you make your decision for Christ. Give your life to Him today.