Called to Righteousness

We've all judged others, secretly, or explicitly, im sure we've had those type of thoughts run through our minds. But Romans 2 reminds us that we dont have the right to judge; who are we to judge? We are all equal in wrong and in sin, no one is better than another. It is because of pride we have these thoughts, we want to put ourselves "higher" than another people.

One day, when Christ returns to earth, judgement day will be upon us. God, the true and only judge will go through each and every one of us, and he "will give to each person according to what they have done" (v. 7).

⁷ To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. - Romans 2:7 

⁸ But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. - Romans 2:8

We should not be meddling in another person's life, but instead should be focusing on our own lives, reflecting how to strive for righteousness and holiness to please our God. And as we reflect, a big question to ask ourselves is "are we a hypocrite?"

Are we the kind of person that goes against what we say? If we say and proclaim that stealing is wrong, do we end up doing it in secret? Are we going against our own words and beliefs?

²¹ you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal? ²² You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? ²³ You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? ²⁴ As it is written: “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.” - Romans 2:21-24

Paul ends off the letter with a good reminder. We can "show off" our faith as much as we want, but it really depends on who you are at heart. In that era, circumcision was just an act, it had meaning behind it, but you could easily go against it at your own will. In today's time, an example could be baptism. This represents your death and resurrection in Christ, your public proclamation as a follower, but it is again just an act, you can quickly turn around and fall into worldly desires.

Where do you stand?

verse of the day: Matthew 7:1-5

1 Do not judge, or you too will be judged. ² For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. ³ “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?⁴ How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? ⁵ You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.