Reflection
As we come to the end of Romans 2, the Apostle Paul gives us more to think about: our hearts. What is going on in them? What are our motives? You see, for the Jewish people, circumcision was an important sign of their covenant relationship with God, but Paul reminds us that having the outward sign alone wasn’t enough if the way they lived didn’t reflect that relationship.
The Apostle says that being a Jew is not merely something outward, nor is true circumcision merely something physical. He points toward something inward – the heart – and the work of the Holy Spirit. In other words, God isn’t simply looking at the religious signs, labels, or practices that other people can see. He’s looking at what’s going on inside of us and whether we’re allowing Him to change our hearts.
We may not be dealing with circumcision as a sign of our faith today, but we certainly have our own outward signs. We go to church. We may have titles or positions in ministry. We attend Bible Study, know Scripture, use Christian language, and know how to look and sound like people of faith. There’s nothing wrong with any of those things, but none of them can take the place of a heart that is genuinely surrendered to God.
Paul challenges us to think about this: Whose approval are we looking for? We can look faithful, sound faithful, and even have other people tell us how faithful we are, but God sees what they can’t see. He knows what’s really going on in our hearts. And at the end of the day, it’s God’s approval that really matters.
As we begin this week, perhaps we should ask ourselves: Am I more concerned with looking like a Christian than living like one? Am I allowing God to change me on the inside, or have I become comfortable with the outward signs of my faith? Am I more concerned with receiving the approval of people or being pleasing to God? God looks beyond what everybody else sees. He sees our hearts.
Prayer
Merciful God, in the name of Jesus, thank You for reminding us that You see beyond what others see and know what’s really in our hearts. Help us not to become satisfied with simply looking or sounding like people of faith. Continue changing us from the inside and help us surrender those areas of our lives that do not please You. May the lives we live on the outside reflect the work You are doing within us, and help us always seek Your approval above the praise of people. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Have a marvelous Monday and miraculous God-filled week!
KEEP THE FAITH!
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