Reading: Romans 2:17-24
Reflective Thoughts
When what we do fails us
There may only be one thing worse than the pedestal upon which Christians place their leaders: the pedestals upon which we place ourselves. Not every leader falls into the heinous sins of theft and adultery like those described in our reading this morning. But we can probably all think of some who have done so–quite publicly. Simply knowing the truth is not enough; we must obey it. (James 1:22).
We also know that not all Christians fall into the heinous sins of theft and adultery. But we know that all Christians sin. In the Book of James the early Christians were called to account for honoring “the beautiful people” over those who were less attractive to them. Who of us has never hurt someone else, even unintentionally, in this way? Simply obeying in some areas and not others isn’t good enough-wherever we fail in absolute perfect obedience, even if no one else sees, we fail in all of it.
This was the point that Paul was trying to drive home to the Jews and to all people. This is the point that we are coming to every day this week in our devotions. Doing what’s right is a good thing. Pursuing righteousness by seeking God in His Word and prayer is what we should do-but we must pursue it in faith-His love and blessings are because of His grace, not because of our works.