There’s something powerful about authenticity. When leaders are genuine—when their actions match their words—it builds trust and fosters loyalty.
But when there’s even a hint of hypocrisy, that trust can crumble in an instant. We’ve all seen it happen. A respected leader, caught living a double life. A CEO touting integrity while cooking the books. A church elder preaching humility but craving the spotlight. Or a political figure promising transparency but engaging in secret dealings. These are all examples of hypocrisy in leadership that we can all recognize.
Hypocrisy isn’t just a personal issue; it’s a leadership cancer. And Scripture doesn’t mince words about its dangers. In fact, one of the most sobering examples comes straight from the early church, a community of believers in the first few centuries after Christ’s death. This community, as described in the New Testament, provides us with valuable insights into the dangers of hypocrisy in leadership.
Barnabas: A Model of Transparent Leadership
In Acts 4:32–37, we’re introduced to a beautiful picture of unity in the early church. Believers shared everything they had, and no one claimed personal ownership over possessions. Among them was Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas, meaning “Son of Encouragement.” He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles, laying it at their feet.
It’s worth pausing here. Barnabas didn’t give to earn applause. He gave out of a sincere desire to support the church and its mission. His actions were generous, open, and free of pretense. He didn’t need a spotlight—he just wanted to serve.
Ananias and Sapphira: A Tragic Contrast
But in Acts 5:1–11, the story takes a stark turn. Enter Ananias and Sapphira. They, too, sold a piece of property, likely inspired by Barnabas’s example. However, instead of giving honestly, they withheld part of the proceeds. That wasn’t the problem. The sin was pretending they had given everything, just as Barnabas had. They wanted the appearance of sacrificial generosity—without the actual sacrifice.
And God wasn’t fooled. Peter confronted Ananias, saying, “You have not lied just to human beings but to God” (Acts 5:4, NIV). Both Ananias and Sapphira were struck dead for their deception. The result? Great fear seized the entire church—and rightly so.
What Is Hypocrisy, Really?
The word hypocrisy comes from the Greek hypokrisis, which originally referred to a performance by an actor. In ancient Greek theater, actors wore large masks to play different characters. Over time, hypokrites became associated not just with actors, but with anyone pretending to be something they were not.
In the context of leadership, hypocrisy is dangerous because it invites others to follow a lie. When leaders wear masks—projecting integrity while hiding compromise—they create cultures where deception can flourish. That’s why Jesus reserved some of His strongest rebukes for the Pharisees, calling them “whitewashed tombs” (Matthew 23:27). Outwardly clean. Inwardly dead.
The Relevance to Us Today
It’s easy to point fingers at Ananias and Sapphira. But the temptation to wear a leadership mask is as real today as it was then.
- Maybe it’s padding reports to make quarterly numbers look better.
- Maybe it’s exaggerating your faith in a meeting to impress others.
- Maybe it’s presenting yourself as generous in public while secretly resenting giving.
Whatever the form, hypocrisy corrodes our witness. In business, it undermines credibility. In ministry, it damages the name of Christ. And in our personal lives, it distances us from God.
Conclusion: Authenticity Isn’t Perfection—It’s Consistency
Now let’s be clear: Authentic leadership doesn’t mean you never fail. It means you’re honest when you do. People don’t expect perfection from their leaders—but they do expect integrity. They want to know that who you are on Sunday is who you are on Monday morning.
Barnabas didn’t lead with fanfare; he led with sincerity. And that kind of example is still desperately needed today.
Action Steps for Leaders: Staying True Behind the Mask
No matter where you lead—at work, in ministry, or your community—here are five ways to guard against hypocrisy and cultivate authentic leadership:
- Check Your Motives Regularly. Ask, “Am I doing this to serve others or to be seen?” Let God examine your heart (Psalm 139:23–24).
- Be Honest About Your Limitations. You don’t have to be all things to all people. Share your struggles. People connect with humility.
- Align Your Private and Public Lives. Remember, what you do behind closed doors will eventually shape who you are in public. Therefore, it’s crucial to align your private and public lives, ensuring consistency and integrity in your leadership.
- Invite Accountability. Trusted friends and mentors can help you stay grounded and true to yourself.
- Lead by Example, Not by Applause. Like Barnabas, give and serve with open hands—not seeking recognition, but God’s approval.
Discussion Questions
To go deeper, reflect on these questions personally or with a group:
- When have you felt pressure to wear a “mask” in your leadership role?
- How can leaders in the workplace avoid the trap of performative generosity?
- Why do you think God responded so strongly to Ananias and Sapphira’s deception?
- What practical steps can you take this week to lead with more authenticity?
- Who in your life models the kind of sincere leadership that inspires you?
More Articles
I have written several articles on the importance of a leader’s integrity. You can find them by typing “Integrity” in the search bar. Meanwhile, here are a few examples.
- #614: 6 Lessons from Achan: How Hidden Failures Can Derail Leadership
- #579: Cultivating Integrity: Does Your Faith Shape Your Leadership?
- #545: Why Faithfulness to God is Key to Effective Leadership in Today’s World
- #485: Our Integrity as Christian Leaders is Most Often Hurt by This One Thing!
- #483: Follow These Four Steps to Build a Life Without Compromise
Join the Conversation
As always, we welcome questions and comments. Have you worked with or for leaders who are hypocritical? What was the impact of their hypocrisy in leadership on the organization?
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Category: Personal Development | Integrity
Your essay brings to mind a little snippet of wisdom from George Orwell’s “Shooting an Elephant”: “He wears a mask, and his face grows to fit it.” When people embrace hypocrisy, who they should be begins to blur until they lose themselves.