Just Like the Pagans

Romans 2

1 You may think you can condemn such people, but you are just as bad, and you have no excuse! When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things. 2 And we know that God, in his justice, will punish anyone who does such things. 3 Since you judge others for doing these things, why do you think you can avoid God’s judgment when you do the same things? 4 Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?

Paul has just finished talking about the pagans and their despicable practices, their rejection of the One True God, etc. But, he then reminds the Christians in Rome that they are no better than the pagans around them when they blend in so well. Christians in America blend in so well with the culture that there is virtually NO DIFFERENCE in their attitudes towards marriage, divorce, cheating in school, abortion, etc. Who are WE do judge the pagans? No, pagans act like pagans because, well they ARE pagans. Those who claim to follow Christ act like pagans because, well they are PAGANS, not Christians. If Jesus doesn’t make a difference in how we live, then we have not submitted to His Lordship. If we have not submitted to His Lordship, then we are NOT His followers, and can have no part of His Kingdom.