If we did not know that this letter to the Romans was written so long ago, you would almost suspect this portion of Scripture as having been written recently. It almost resembles a page out of current events.
For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. Romans 1:20 (NIV)From the beginning of time, God's eternal power and divine nature can be, and have been, seen in nature. Man is without excuses. It is what drives the hearts of the scientists who seek the truth among the smallest of molecules. Every small thing they encounter unveils even greater mysteries and unknowns. Without being able to see it, vast amounts of information only lead to more questions. The smaller only gets larger. What an amazing tribute to the greatness of the Almighty Creator. Scientists searching for an infinite being among an infinite source of information in an ever expanding universe (this thought almost got me in trouble during my high school chemistry class).
The problem with the searching is that the known Creator is still evident throughout all of creation; our scientist only blur the big picture because they focus on such a little part of the whole. Many try every day to disprove God's existence, as if that would make them feel better about themselves. Yet, all of creation still projects His creative force and intelligence.
The failure to accept the things of God as plain is what leads many away from the truth and into the temporal desires of life. These desires generate a worship of creation - global warming, animal rights, the molecule searches, cloning, and even evolution. Their "wisdom" only reveals foolishness. Don't get me worng, we are supposed to care of our environment!
Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. Romans 1:22-23 (NIV)This desire to be right, this passion for the foolish things, drives people deeper into sinful pursuits because their creation worship is their excuse to ignore the normal and acceptable actions of the created. They degrade themselves. This is an interesting thought. Their passion to throw off any resemblance to the Creator smashes the higher purpose to which each individual is called. Their own deeds create an ever falling image of man instead of an "evolving" one. They become more destructive instead of more constructive. The very nature of the word degrading is one choosing to misuse or improperly use one's nature for self gratifying pursuits that are opposed to the reality of God's image for creation - He saw creation as good and then sin corrupted it.
Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Romans 1:26 (NIV)God gives people free will. We have absolute control of our actions. That does not mean that God does not intervene. As long as sin exists, evil will continue to persist. Even in the threat of death evil pursuits drive people to choose sin over God's will for His Creation. The scary part is how people justify their actions by "approving" of the same actions in others. "They do it, so I can to..."
Solidarity in foolishness. Most of Hollywood and other "celebrities" are proof of this. They are constantly trying to "one-up" each other in order to get a larger fan base. People celebrate debauchery in films, music, and art with great fanfare. They "approve" of one another by throwing award shows for themselves while others stand outside cheering them (Golden Globes, Teen Awards, and more).
They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator--who is forever praised. Amen. Romans 1:25 (NIV)
- There is nothing wrong with celebrating good works, but would you call most of what comes out of Hollywood "good works"?
Listen, before the anger starts flowing. This is only one example of sinful acts committed by those driven by worldly, temporary pleasures. Paul doesn't stop there. Sinful acts create a depravity of the mind, in which those committing these acts see nothing wrong with what they have freely chosen for themselves. Drugs, immoral sexual practices, alcohol, greed, envy, and murder all aid in producing God-haters, gossipers, slanderers, and boasters. All of whom seek new ways for evil. God-haters blame god for their failures or for getting in the way of their passion for the temporary. They continue despite God's warnings. They continue even though God is still offering life and hope.
- Does God give up on the sinful?
- Is God still willing to get His hands dirty for all who sin? Read John 8:1-11
- How true are these words in comparison to today's values?
- What is God speaking into your heart? What excuses have you used recently (verse 20)?
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