The Impact of Modern Hypocricy

Scripture: You who make your boast in the law, do you dishonor God through breaking the law? For “the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you,” as it is written. Romans 2:23-24

Observation: As one of the first logical elements of Paul's letter to the Romans, he examines the theme of the Law being a stumbling block. This is the first way that happens ... Jews who declare that they know God because they know the law actually visibly break the law, and as a result Gentiles have questions about the nature of God himself.

If knowledge of God is from the Jews, and it is by the Jews and their teaching of the law and prophets that God can be understood, and then the Jews openly exhibit hypocrisy by how they behave and break the law while also acting contrary to the nature of God that they teach ... well, then how can Gentiles understand God or maybe even believe the teaching of the prophets?

And yes, this is completely relevant to the church, both in the first century and the 21st century!

Application: We know that the behavior of the Church is one of the primary influencers in others hearing about and believing the good news of Jesus Christ. We talk of love while seemingly hating others. We espouse unconditional forgiveness by faith alone while verbally decrying and judging behaviors. At every turn in this hypocrisy, someone is watching us ... and actively making a decision about belief in Jesus, the nature of God, and the concept of eternal life, based on our failure.

Until I fully change my heart, I will remain part of that problem. Until I love others so much and learn to properly contextualize worldly issues to the point that it changes my outward behaviors and words, I will fail to serve Jesus well. When I act or speak with judgment, I blaspheme the name of Jesus.

Prayer: Lord, when I stand before you one day and you ask me what I did about your son, I will answer that I believed in him and put my faith in Jesus as my Lord and savior. However, I know I have also failed to represent his love, your love, through my disobedient heart. As Paul says, please circumcise my heart, soften me toward others, and help me to be your witness by my words and actions, and not a stumbling block for others to trip over. Amen.