Romans 1:18-32 The attitudes of honour and gratitude are pillars on which our society stands.
Romans 1:18-32
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures.
Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them. For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error.
And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful; and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them.
Background
In this section, Paul lays down the need for humanity to believe in the gospel, because of man’s evil and unceasing oppression of the weak. As God has determined that all who are impenitent will face eternal destruction. Here, Paul surfaces the root cause of humanity’s problems – his refusal to subject himself to God’s rule. Humanity has rejected God’s ways while seeking to fulfill his own dark and foolish passions. Today’s devotion teaches us about the importance of honour and gratitude towards God and those who watch over us: The attitudes of honour and gratitude are the pillars on which humanity stands.
Observation
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.
“Wrath of God” means His displeasure resulting in severe treatment. Indeed, God will show His displeasure to those who rejects the ways of godliness and righteousness. The unrighteous here refers to the impenitent, who rejects the ways of God continually: who suppress the truth. It is one thing to sin in ignorance and quite another to sin continually after knowing the truth. Thus, it is impenitence that warrants the wrath of God, not the acts of sin. That said, the wrath of God must not be confused with God’s loving discipline. While the wrath of God is directed towards the impenitent, divine discipline is directed towards His children and those who a repentant.
For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.
Creation reveals the unmistakable work of the supreme God whose power and righteous nature are clearly evident. Hence, man cannot deny God’s existence and sovereign rule over this world. The wisdom and righteousness of God is displayed in the cycle of the seasons, the movement of the planets. The living things and the Earth’s ecology speak of God’s power, wisdom, and love for humanity. Hence, the onus is on each individual to respond to God in reverence by walking in His ways.
For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
Although creation bears clear evidences of God’s existence and His divine nature, many do not want to honour Him as Creator and God. Despite the unmistakable display of divine power, love and wisdom in creation, they respond in unbelief. Their unbelief arises not from the lack of evidences but from their rejection of God’s truth and rule over their lives. Unbelief is not an issue with the mind, but rather with the heart. The heart rejects the evidences that are presented because humanity in general refuse to submit to God. Thus, the heart forces the mind to manufacture counter arguments against God’s rule and existence: they became futile in their speculations.
And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper.
Even as God continually reaches out to man to turn them back to His ways; they have decided that God will have no place in their lives. Thus, they have gone to the place of no return as their minds become unconscionable and unreasoning. Since God can no longer influence them for good, He frees them to do as they please and reap the consequences due them: God gave them over to a depraved mind.
Being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice…
Those who show no honour or gratitude towards God will eventually degenerate into unrighteousness, wickedness, greed… behaviours that depict the characteristics of a depraved mind. Indeed, the lack of honour and gratitude is the seed of darkness that permeates our world today.
Truth
The attitude of honor and gratitude are the core elements that strengthens man’s moral fibre.
Where honour and gratitude are lacking, evil and injustice abounds. The virtue of honour causes us to recognise who we are as God’s children and our place as creatures and God as the Creator. Honour accords mutual respect towards our fellow men and causing us to obey the laws that God has laid down in the world. There are various kinds of honour: honour towards our superior, our spouse and people in general. Honour is the most fundamental element that undergirds all relationships. However, the fear of God is the highest form of honour that is directed towards God; it moves man to obey and worship Him.
The virtue of gratitude is an appropriate response, an affirmation of blessings received; it helps us acknowledge the sources of blessings that are outside of ourselves. Gratitude strengthens relationships; it builds trust and motivates love and loyalty towards God and towards one another. For a grateful person, grace accentuates love and increases fellowship and mutual commitment.
How do we display honor and gratitude towards God?
a. Experiences of grace must lead to greater commitment to His kingdom’s work. A response from a heart filled with gratitude must necessarily lead to greater commitment towards God’s Kingdom’s work as well in giving back to Him something of value. Hannah, out of her barrenness bears a child. Out of gratitude for God who opens her womb (1 Samuel 1:20), Hannah gives her first-born as servant to Eli (1 Samuel 1:26-27), the Chief Priest. Because Hannah responds with honour and gratitude, God blesses her by giving her three more sons and two daughters.
b. The future of our society is determined predominantly by the attitudes of the people’s hearts. A worker with a righteous attitude will bring greater unity, creativity and progress to his organization. In the long run, a person will with a right attitude will bring greater good to an organisation even if he may not be the most capable. However, such a person will continue to progress and eventually exceed expectations. On the contrary, a self-centred person no matter how gifted he is will stagnate and may even pose a bane to the company. A righteous attitude include a positive view of things and the desire to contribute towards the good of the whole organization. An employee who could not honour and respect his employer and show gratitude will be a liability to the company.
Reference to Jesus’s teachings
1. Jesus says to the Pharisee concerning the woman who anoints His head and feet with perfume,
“For this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little.” Luke 7:47.
Here, Jesus teaches about loyalty and gratitude. The woman displays her genuine affection for Jesus by pouring out the entire bottle of very expensive perfume and making herself vulnerable in the way she worshiped Him. The Pharisee sneers at the woman and despises her because of her reputation as a sinner. However, the woman’s display of honour and gratitude towards Jesus flow from the grace and forgiveness she received from God. Her salvation and prosperity are evident through her gratitude and honour towards Jesus.
2. Jesus says to the scribes who accuses Him to casting out demons by the ruler of demons,
Truly I say to you, all sins shall be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they utter; but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin” – because they were saying, “He has an unclean spirit.” Mark 3:28-30
The Jews accused Jesus of casting out demons by Beelzebul. They reject the work of the Holy Spirit, their hearts being irreparably darkened. Thus, Jesus spoke of a sin that cannot be forgiven even by His work on the cross: the sin of impenitence. Likewise, Paul spoke against those whose minds are depraved, and unable to receive the truth.
Application
Give thanks often for what God has given you. Think of ways that you could express your loyalty and gratitude towards God. God’s grace spurs us on to want to know Him more by reading the word and in connecting with Him.
What are the issues of my heart that has hindered my personal growth? It could be fears of rejection, ill-confidence, or it could be a streak of rebellion of not wanting to be told what to do. Some are accustomed to complaining, being ungrateful towards parents and benefactors. Some even delve in seemingly harmless pornography supposing that as an occasional distraction. If you truly honour God, divorce yourself from all unrighteousness. Grace must spur us towards greater godliness and perfection.
Dear Lord, I would like to express honour towards You and my benefactors. I am grateful for Your kindness and I cherish those who have loved me unconditionally. Fill me with Your likeness and use me as the face of God to the community. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.