Reflection
As we’ve made our way through Romans 2, the Apostle Paul has given us quite a bit to think about. He has warned us about judging others while overlooking our own faults, reminded us that God’s goodness and patience should lead us to repentance, and made it clear that God shows no partiality. Now, in verses 12–16, he takes us a little deeper.
Brother Paul explains that simply hearing God’s Law does not make a person right before Him. The Jewish people had been given the Law and heard it taught, but knowing what God required was not enough. There also were Gentiles who did not have the written Law, yet their conscience could bear witness to right and wrong. Paul’s point is that neither having God’s Law nor not having it gives anyone a reason to think they are beyond accountability to God.
That should cause those of us who have access to God’s Word today to stop and think. We can attend church, participate in Bible Study, listen to sermons, read Scripture, and even know what the Bible says, but what are we doing with what we’ve heard? Knowing God’s Word and living God’s Word are two different things.
The Apostle also reminds us that God sees what other people cannot see. He knows the secrets of our hearts—the thoughts, motives, and intentions that may never be visible to anyone else. So perhaps we should ask ourselves: Am I only hearing God’s Word, or am I allowing it to change the way I live? Is there something I know God has told me to do that I have yet to put into practice? What does my life say about what I claim to believe? Hearing the Word is important, but hearing should lead us toward obedience.
Prayer
Merciful God, in the name of Jesus, thank You for giving us Your Word and allowing us to hear and learn Your truth. Help us not to become satisfied with simply knowing what Your Word says. Give us hearts that are willing to obey You and lives that reflect what we believe. Search the hidden places of our hearts, reveal those things that need to change, and help us put Your Word into practice each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Have a marvelous Monday and miraculous God-filled week!
KEEP THE FAITH!
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