An accusation often leveled toward Christians is that they act one way during the week, but live another way on Sunday. They are called hypocrites for not living a consistent life. Consider another way to look at this situation.
Which is worse… acting like a Christian on Sunday or hiding the fact that you are a Christian when you’re not around other believers? To do the latter is what I might call reverse hypocrisy.
More often its the case of Christians hiding their Christianity and beliefs outside the church for fear of rejection, opposition, inconvenience, or persecution. Too many of us aren’t willing to put ourselves in difficult positions for the cause of Christ. Personally, I think that is a greater tragedy than the other.
This is what Paul confronted Peter about in Galatians 2:11-14. Peter was more concerned that he not be rejected because of his faith {“(His) conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel…”} than do what was right. Peter’s hypocrisy was working in reverse… rather than hide his worldly side from believers, he hide the faith side of his life from the Jews.
The only way we can know if WE are guilty of “reverse hypocrisy” is for God to reveal it to us. So, I wonder, how many of us are willing to ask God to reveal to us if this is a blind spot in our walk and then repent?