We taught our children to say “please” whenever they asked for something. One of our children took this to be the key to getting what he wanted. One day he asked for something we were not prepared to give – like a new bike when it was not his birthday or Christmas. When I refused, he was baffled. “But, I said ‘please.’”
Going through the motions, doing what is required, does not mean what you are doing is right. Saying “please” is no guarantee you will get what you want. Such was the way with certain people in the Roman church.
What does circumcision indicate? Which is more important, according to Paul, being circumcised (outward piety) or obeying religious law (inward piety)?
In the early church there was frequent disagreement between the Jews who were following the teachings of Christ, and the Gentiles who were following Jesus. Many believed that these Gentiles had to become Jewish first, marked by having the males circumcised. Only then could they begin following Christ.
It was a ritual, an outward and visible indication of a person’s faith. Many Jews claimed that anyone not willing to undergo circumcision simply had no faith. But Paul points out that the physical obedience of the law, of faith, is no guarantee of holiness. It is when a person inwardly commits himself or herself to God that they are leading a holy life.
In our own churches and society we can sometime adopt the same attitude toward others. If they have not memorized the Apostle’s Creed or become confused during Holy Communion, or if they do not act exactly as we expect we may think these people can’t be Christians. However, simply knowing the ins and outs of Christianity, of knowing how to do the rituals, does not assure true Christianity.
It is attitude. It is intention. If a person’s heart hungers after God, if a person truly desires a deeper relationship with Jesus, then they are much nearer the throne of God than the most pious of Christians who knows the rituals but whose heart is empty of love.
DAILY CHALLENGE: Pray for more understanding of anyone you consider un-Christian because they do not do what you do.
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