I got a serious wake up call this morning as I study God’s Word. I am in Romans and continue to study the word “Acknowledge” and was brought to Romans 1:18-32. The title in my ESV Bible is God’s Wrath on Unrighteousness. Here Paul is writing about God’s distaste for the unrighteous and his righteous actions toward them. The people willingly choose not to acknowledge God even though they are fully aware of Him and His attributes.
“28And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done.” – Romans 1:28 (ESV)
The people willingly and knowingly acted against what they know about God. And thanks to that willingness, God allows us to continually act in a way that is contrary to and against what He has tasked us with doing.
“32Though they know God’s decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.” – Romans 1:32 (ESV)
“People do not generally sin in innocent ignorance, for the know God’s decree (at least in and instinctive way) that their evil deserves condemnation. Indeed, the evil goes further when people give approval and applaud others for their sin, probably because having others join in their sin makes them feel better about the evil course they have chosen.” (ESV Commentary for verse 32)
I do believe in the right to free speech and our defending that which is wrong. Doing wrong will only invite and create more wrong. We see that everyday in our society. There is a wrong done and others feel as though they have been invited to do wrong also. This is a human trait and one that I have to remember to fight everyday.
It is up to me to ask for guidance and wisdom from God in all situations. Evil begets evil and invites others to into that evil. I have to remember that when I bring love, love will follow.
When you find yourself in a difficult spot, are you acknowledging God or giving way to the evil? Do you find yourself making excuses for your actions? Are you willing to slow down and ask God for guidance?
Trevor's Thoughts 