Romans Chapter 2
Are you quick to judge others? Think about it for a moment. Do you actually enjoy talking about someone behind his or her back or even talking about a group of people? If you do, this chapter will be a tough one for you. For in this chapter Paul speaks out against those who condemn others yet do not recognize the sinful habits that they themselves practice…
The Message, a paraphrase, puts verse one this way: “Those people are on a dark spiral downward. But if you think that leaves you on the high ground where you can point your finger at others, think again. Every time you criticize someone, you condemn yourself. It takes one to know one. Judgmental criticism of others is a well-known way of escaping detection in your own crimes and misdemeanors.” That sure sounds like childish behavior but Paul isn’t speaking about kids on the playground. He is talking about you and me and all those who, by comparing themselves with others, try to minimize their own misdeeds. The Pharisee in Luke 18:11 comes to mind. “God, I thank You that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.”
“But I don’t do that.” I know; neither do I. “Seriously, I don’t do that.” Ok, ok. Let me keep going.
I think we all tend to lean in that direction at one point in our Christian walk. It’s so easy to do because when things are going well for us we often times become complacent and complacency can lead to prideful thinking or arrogance. What happens when we become satisfied with ourselves? Yep, we start comparing our accomplishments with those of others. And when we lift ourselves up we usually do so by stepping on the accomplishments, or lack of accomplishments, of others. It’s a vicious cycle and it’s easy to get caught up in it. Believe me…
Verses 7-11 says, “7To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. 8But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. 9There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; 10but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 11For God does not show favoritism.” (NIV)
It’s important to realize that since God doesn’t favor one person over another we shouldn’t do it either. He loves us all the same and doesn’t want us to do that which destroys others or ourselves. This world is all about relationships and the sooner we realize that the better. Do good towards others by showing them God’s love in the way we conduct ourselves in front of them. Don’t be like those about whom God spoke (through Ezekiel) when He said, “Therefore, give the people of Israel this message from the Sovereign LORD: I am bringing you back again but not because you deserve it. I am doing it to protect my holy name, which you dishonored while you were scattered among the nations.” (Ezekiel 36:22-NLT)
