By: Curtis Baker (curtisbaker@hotmail.com)
Write to: P.O. Box 157, Slaton, TX 79364
One of the most important questions anyone can ask about their own life is, “What am I seeking?” I suppose it is true that many of us never stop to ask that question of ourselves, and therefore we tend to float along through life following whichever path offers the way of least resistance. In a world that offers so many distractions through television, the internet, and constant new forms of technology, it is more possible than ever to ignore the greater questions of life and simply entertain ourselves to death. But despite what may appear like a lack of choice, the truth is, we are all making choices that are leading us to one destination or another.
This is Paul’s point as he moves into the second chapter of his letter to the Romans. Having now demonstrated that human beings have largely traded the truth about God to satisfy the hungers of their own desires (Rom 1:18-32), Paul now goes on to emphasize that each of us are purposefully seeking something, and will reap the consequences of whatever it is that we are seeking (Rom 2:8-11).
According to Paul, life presents us only two choices about what we might seek: There is the option of seeking glory, honor, and immortality…or there is the option of seeking our own selfish desires. A person might ask at this point why these two things have to contradict?
To anticipate Paul’s answer, which will come later on in the letter, the reason these two naturally contradict is because all of mankind is under the curse of sin. Paul will later tell us “there is no one righteous, not even one” (Rom 3:10), and because of that we understand that our natural condition in the world as it now exists is one of sin and rebellion. Therefore, when a person seeks their own desires, which have already been corrupted by the power of sin, the inevitable result will be the practice of evil to one degree or another. Because of our fallen state, evil IS the path of least resistance in this life, and one that easily captures us. As Jesus once said, “wide is the road that leads to destruction” (Matt 7:13), and many will take that broad path. In contrast to that is the “narrow road,” which Paul will here describe as the “seeking of glory, honor, and immortality, by the persistent practice of doing good” (Rom 2:7).
Paul is very careful to note for us that the future judgment will be based on this very thing. No one, of course, will be able to earn their salvation or their way into heaven–our salvation is purely a gift of grace. But Paul is very poignant to say that one does not accidentally go to heaven or to hell. There is a determined purpose that must be a part of our lives, and there are only two choices. Either, according to our abilities, we will do our best to patiently learn good and practice it, or we will take the path of least resistance and follow our own corrupted desires.
Paul has already acknowledged 2:1-4 that a simple knowledge of the rules is of no particular help to a person. One can know all the rules and laws that point to what is good and right in life, but if one does not do their best to practice them, those rules are of no help. Even worse is to pronounce judgment on those who may not understand the choices they make, while at the same time participating in the same evil practices when you DO know them to be wrong. All such judging of one another misses the point. The point, once again, is the question we began with: “What am I seeking?” Romans is very clear in its teaching that you are seeking something. Either, as best you can, you are seeking the glory, honor, and immortality that God desires for you through the practice of doing good…or, you are seeking your own corrupted desires–the path of least resistance. No one can answer that question for you. Will you have the courage to seek the answer for yourself, before the secrets of your heart are revealed on that final day? (Rom 2:16)
(Don’t forget to join me for A Message from the Heart radio program Sunday evening at 8:00pm on KJAK 92.7FM, or streaming live at www.kjak.com) (curtisbaker@hotmail.com)
Write to: P.O. Box 157, Slaton, TX 79364
