Romans Chapter 2: 17-23 (NIV-UK)
Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the law and boast in God; if you know his will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the law; if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those who are in the dark, an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of little children, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth – you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal? You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? You who boast in the law, do you dishonour God by breaking the law?
The religious leaders in Jesus’ time hated Him because He exposed their hypocrisy. They relied on their legacy from their ancestors and thought that meant they were free to do as they wanted to. They told people what to do, but didn’t do what they taught. It was the old saying,” Do as I say, but don’t do as I do.” Paul was reminding the Roman believers to be careful in setting an example for new Christians.
I think we could easily substitute the word “Christian” for the word “Jew” in verse 17.
Many people have sadly been put off seeking God because they have had a bad experience with people who claim to be followers of Jesus. Sometimes people have an idea in their head of how they expect Christians to be. That might not be the correct perception. But on occasion people who say they are followers of God, dishonour Him by the way they behave. I don’t want anyone to say to me, “I thought you were supposed ton be a Christian.” We are intended to be God’s ambassadors here on earth and we don’t want to discredit Him in the way that we behave, and we certainly don’t want to be hypocrites.
Tonight is the final of the European cup in football. Scotland made it to the qualifying round, but didn’t get into the later rounds. Their fans, however made a bigger impact by the way that they conducted themselves and were awarded the accolade of being the best fans in the tournament. How much more should it be obvious who we serve and who we seek to please? We are not better than anyone else, we are just as flawed as others, but we want to allow the light of Jesus to be seen in our lives.
Dear Lord,
Help me never to point a finger at anyone else. Keep my focus on seeking to please You and reflecting Your work in my life. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.