“Would You Rather?” is a game I play with my kids sometimes. I give you a hypothetical option between two unpleasant things, and see which one you’d choose.

Then lots of giggling ensues.

“Would you rather kiss a toad or get sprayed by a skunk?” Easy one.

More seriously, would you rather go to a world renowned doctor who has a smoking habit or a quack who doesn’t?

There’s clearly something hypocritical about a medical expert doing the very thing he’s trying to convince his patients to quit.

However, if you’re the patient–this defect shouldn’t negate the wisdom of following his advice.

Truth transcends the hypocrisy of the messenger.

I’m not defending hypocrisy. Nor am I saying that character doesn’t matter–it most certainly does. Integrity is vitally important.

I’m simply warning us about the tempting reflex to discredit an otherwise highly credible expert. They may be able to dispense advice at a higher level than their willingness to obey it.

The only witness that completely lacks hypocrisy is Jesus. You’re bound to find lots of problems with his followers. Look to Him–and the transcendent truth that exceeds our sins.