No, I'm not about to sing a Kelly Clarkson song, but I do want you to consider this phrase and what may come after it. One of the most dangerous things we can do as Christians is to live life on cruise control and think that what we do or don't do doesn't matter. So if someone were to say to you... "Because of you ________________," what would go in the blank?
In Romans 2:23-24, we are faced with a very tough question and reality check.
The question is in regards to how much confidence we place in "being religious." You know, how proud are you of the fact that you "know" the Bible, go to church, don't cuss, drink, or hang out with people who do? These are things that so many people use to measure their own self-worth and confidence, but God says that by focusing on these things you're actually missing the real purpose of following Him: to love God and love others (Matthew 22:35-39).
The reality check is when Paul says, "God's name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you." Don't miss what's being said here. In the church, we often get upset at how people who don't follow Christ mock His name, but why are they doing that? In line with what Paul is asking in this verse, perhaps people don't take God serious because those who claim to follow Him don't take Him serious.
We all need to think about this... Right now, in this moment, how is God finishing this statement about each of us?
Because of you.... people are surrendering their life to me
Because of you... someone decided to not give up on life
Because of you... this person will have food to feed their family
Because of you... she is building anger and resentment toward me (God)
Because of you... he thinks being a "Christian" is nothing more than showing up to an event on Sundays
Because of you... they think "Father" equals someone who doesn't really care and is always preoccupied
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