I saw a quote recently that said:

A hypocrite’s sin does not excuse your own.



That is a pretty profound statement.  If you think about it, that should be obvious.  Of course we are still held accountable for our own sins despite the actions of others! 

But this is one of those things that culture and non-Christians will use as an excuse to continue their own sin.  They see church leaders and popular pastors being caught in sinful behavior and removed from their positions of leadership.  This gives them an excuse to no longer believe in Christianity. 

What??

How could someone else who sins make you not want to follow Jesus?  Doesn’t seem to be a connection - and yet there is.  I have said this many times. We are being watched. We set the example. People want to see Christians behave in a Christian manner before entertaining the idea of becoming a Christian themselves.

And yet we are all sinners.  But how that sin is handled is how you can remove that “hypocrite” title.  Christians should always practice what they preach.  But when they do not, they must admit it (confess), ask for forgiveness from both God and others, and then repent from that sin - to move away from that sin and not repeat it. 

As Christians, we should not want to sin.  We should not actively pursue sin.  But as humans, we all sin - and then as Christians, we should handle that sin in the manner we were taught.

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.  James 5:16

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.  1 John 1:9

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.  James 4:7

And lastly:

Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. 1 Peter 2:12

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Colossians 4:5

In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. Titus 2:7-8