Reflection
Last week, we reflected on the importance of not only hearing God’s Word but living it. This week, Brother Paul takes that thought even further.
It’s one thing to know what God’s Word says and another thing to live by it. In Romans 2:17–24, the Apostle Paul speaks to those who knew the Law, taught others what was right, and were confident that they could guide others. Then he turns the conversation around and basically asks: What about you? Are you practicing what you teach?
Brother Paul begins asking some very direct questions. You teach others, but are you teaching yourself? You tell others not to steal, but do you steal? You speak against adultery, but do you commit adultery? His questions point to a simple truth: we cannot expect others to live by a standard that we are unwilling to apply to our own lives.
And then the Apostle takes it even further in verse 24, when he explains that the way God’s people live can affect how others view God Himself. Our actions don’t affect only us. When we claim to know God and teach others about Him but our lives consistently contradict what we say, people may begin questioning the God we represent. Our hypocrisy can become a stumbling block to someone who is watching our lives.
As we begin this week, perhaps we should ask ourselves: Does the life I’m living agree with the Word I’m sharing? Am I expecting something from others that I’m unwilling to practice myself? When people look at my life, does what they see point them toward God or give them a reason to question what I say I believe? None of us lives perfectly, but there should be a sincere desire for our lives to line up with the faith we profess.
Prayer
Merciful God, in the name of Jesus, thank You for Your Word that teaches us how to live. Help us not only to share Your truth with others but to apply it to our own lives. Reveal those areas where our actions do not agree with what we say we believe, and give us the humility to acknowledge them and the willingness to change. Help us to live in such a way that our lives point others toward You and never become a stumbling block to those who are watching. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Have a marvelous Monday and miraculous God-filled week!
KEEP THE FAITH!
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