Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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One True God and People of Other Faith

Divya Mathew


Carmel MTC, Boston, MA

"you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal?”- Romans 2:17-21

    Jefferson Bethke’s Youtube video titled “Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus” turned into an overnight sensation with seven millions views within two days. In his poem, he says, “Now I ain't judging; I'm just saying, quit putting on a fake look ‘Cause there's a problem if people only know you're a Christian by your Facebook I mean, in every other aspect of life, you know that logic is unworthy. It's like saying you play for the Lakers just because you bought a jersey”

    The point Bethke is trying to make calls out those who act self-righteous and all knowing, but fail to practice what they preach. In Romans 2:17-29, Paul addresses the moralist Jews who are guilty of hypocrisy and boastfulness. In verses 17-20, Paul outlines two main privileges that have been given to the Jews. The first privilege he talks about is their name, as he says “but if you bear the name Jew.” The literal translation of “Jew” is “Praise Yahweh.” In our society today, Christians pride themselves with the group they identify with, such as Catholic, Baptist, Presbyterian and many others. Although it is important to identify with core values that are associated with these names, one must recognize the difference between our love for religion and love for Jesus. Paul also writes, “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.” The Jews believed that they were keepers of the law but failed to understand the bigger picture. Many a time we, as believers, get caught up in acquiring all the knowledge in the Bible, without letting it affect our daily lives. We need to pride ourselves in how we apply God’s Word in our life and how many people we are able to influence.

PRAYER

Lord, help us to bring glory and honor to Your name by our actions and words. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Be a light to people who walk in darkness. God's judgement is not based on how much we know the Bible. He  wants us to obey Him with complete surrender of our lives. 

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