Wednesday
Read: Romans 11
Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness.
Paul is pointing out a problem that many people seem to struggle with. And that is self-righteousness. The Jews were pointing to themselves because they were God’s Chosen people. The ones who were sons adopted by God. Grafted into the olive branch. At the same time the Gentiles are feeling superiority over the Jews, because they outnumber the Jewish Christians. This attitude that we humans seem to perpetuate about trying to make ourselves more than we are… is often reflected in the way we deal with others. And in the way we see ourselves.
There are many people who think just because I have a bible in my house and I grew up in a Christian home and my parents were devout that I automatically am a Christian. We are not Christian because of our family history, nor can we say we are Christian just because we go to church or were baptized… these things are not what salvation is about… not that any of this is bad, actually it is good. The problem arises, when that’s all we have, and we have not made a profession of our faith. Accepting Jesus Christ as our savior.
Then there are those who we call “holier than thou”. I hate that term, but it often describes the nature of many Christians. When someone new comes to church… seeking.. there are those who will look them over and judge them by their looks or their history.
Our Superintendent Steve Macaluso visited our church recently and he asked us, are we bouncers or ushers? Is our church a courthouse or a lighthouse? This is a good question to ask ourselves as we look around the church.
Paul challenges us in vs 22, to remain in God’s kindness. Are you treating others in church and out of church with kindness? What would our world look like if we did?
Grace and Peace
Pastor Kathy