Neither Better nor Worse

Scripture: 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 ... Romans 2:17-20

Observation: Writing to the entire church in Rome, Paul gets specific about the Jews and their knowledge of the Law. He first points out here that, yes, the Jews have the Law, and therefore they do in fact have knowledge of the will and rules of Yahweh himself. They have learned all of it, and furthermore they instruct others in everything God says about being good, and about knowledge and truth. It is by this fact that many Jews consider themselves superior when it comes to their alignment to the Lord.

Of course, in the next clause, Paul will point out that ... they don't do it themselves. They teach others not to lie or steal or commit adultery, then they lie and steal and commit adultery, things that gentiles even know are wrong. In other words, knowing the Law actually produces the same behavior as not knowing the Law. So are the Jews better because they know the Law, or worse because in that knowledge they sin just like those who are ignorant of the Law? (The answer is neither ... but that's a longer conversation.)

Application: Today, this applies to Christians, and to me. I know the Law. I know the words of Jesus. And I fail to obey them over and over again. I am not better than others for my knowledge, but thank God I'm not worse than others for my resulting actions.

Prayer: Lord, I need you in my heart and my mind and my life more and more. May you be with me and my family every day, giving us your guidance and strength. Amen.