Romans 2:17-29 Response

Paul, in Roman’s 2:17-29, challenges the Jews, as they “brag about their relationship to God” and about being followers of God’s law, do they truly obey the law, or do they find excuses when they break it? If they teach others how to follow the law, are they also teaching themselves? If they preach against stealing, do they steal? Basically, are they living what they are preaching?

During Pastor Greg Hills’ sermon on this passage, he mentioned that every can of food has a label, letting consumers know what is inside. However, if the label is removed or switched, what is inside may not match the label. He then asked the question, “Is what is happening inside you, what is being shown in the outside (label)?” My response was, “No, at least I don’t think so.” He also asked, “If you were a can, and asked someone to label you, what would they say about you?” My response to this question was, “Well, I think they would say I’m an all-around nice Christ-like person.”

It then occurred to me that I might be living a façade. I act daily as if I am as close to God as I could ever be, though I know I could be closer. I talk as if I had spent time reflecting on Scripture for hours, when I actually haven’t done so for days, if not weeks. I am weak and sinful. If I were a can without a label, it would be hard for anyone to accurately label me if they are only able to label what I display to others. It really doesn’t matter what kind of label someone might give me based on the outside, but what kind of label would they give me based on my heart (the inside)?

I know how to act Christ-like. I grew up in a Christian home. But sometimes I wonder if I am more like the Jews in this passage, or if my heart is truly circumcised? Is my Christian living being propelled by my desire to maintain a convenient façade or is the Word of God really transforming my heart daily? And do I sometimes go through the motions and act like a Christian because of fear of being discovered or being rejected by other Christians? Do the contents of my “can” match the nice label?

~Priscila Anderson