Did you know that there's a zoo in Gaza - yes, that Gaza? I didn't. So, with a sense of anticipation I clicked the link for the news story. I'd hoped the story about the zoo would provide me with a sense of a familiarity with a people I'm unfamiliar with. I was wrong. The story told the story of a problem I'm very familiar with.

The Marah Land Zoo in Gaza City was in a quandary. During the Israel-Hamas war earlier this year, care for the zoo's few animals was drastically reduced. As a result, the zoo's two zebras died of starvation. Discovering that the cost of replacing these animals was prohibitive, the zoo made a bold and creative attempt to fill the void. They painted stripes on two white donkeys.

The mock zebras raise few eyebrows. Most visitors stop, stare, and move on unaware of the ruse perpetrated on their zoological senses. They've never seen a real zebra. They don't miss the real zebra. In their minds, these white animals with strangely neat black stripes are the real deal.

Our churches are full of donkeys wearing pinstripes as well. We fill row after row, pew after pew with people who talk and dress the right way. They wear jeans and flip-flops in accordance with the local custom. They seem to be authentic. Or, they're resplendent in their finest church peacockery, dazzling in appearance, certain to be true Christians with their microwave-sized Bibles. Yet, many aren't.

While only God truly knows what lies beneath the surface of the human heart, a cursory glance around the local denominational zoo quickly suggests what many of our unchurched neighbors already suspect. The place is full of hypocrites, people pretending to be something they are not.

You've seen the type. From a distance they vaguely resemble Christ. But, when you look closely, the reality you find is something completely different.

Instead of fulfilling the Great Commission, they fail to evangelize anyone.

Instead of studying the Bible to show themselves approved, they rarely open it, and see no reason to even bring it to church.