"But they all with one accord began to make excuses..." (Luke 14:18)

Some say they won't become Christians because there are hypocrites in the church. Others say they can't be faithful because they are discouraged by the hypocrites in the church. There is no sound reasoning to this excuse. Certainly, there are hypocrites in the church, but there are more out of the church!

If one needed a job, and was offered one in a factory, he wouldn't say, "I won't work there because there are hypocrites there." Or, if he needed some groceries, and had the money to buy them, he wouldn't say, "I won't go to the store because there are hypocrites there."

The "hypocrites in the church" excuse will be a very weak one in the day of judgment. Does one expect to be given heaven because of the wickedness of others? Will he say, "Lord, I didn't serve you because of the hypocrites and therefore I deserve heaven?" It is far better to put up with a few hypocrites in the church for a little time than to dwell with all hypocrites forever!