Romans 1:28-32
A Heart Far From God
Scripture: Romans 1:28-32 (ESV) “And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.”
The Devotion: Paul’s letter to the Romans continues to paint a stark picture of a life that has rejected God. It’s a downward spiral that begins with refusing to acknowledge Him and leads to a life characterized by actions and attitudes that don’t look anything like what God created humanity for. This passage is a sobering reminder of the depth of human sinfulness and the consequences of living a life that dismisses God’s sovereignty.
The behaviors listed here—ranging from envy and murder to disobedience and deceit—are all different pictures of a heart that has wandered away from God. The point is not the specific sins listed here, but rather the deeper issue that we all have a heart that is capable of any and all of these sins. When we reject God, it is not just an intellectual decision to walk away from him, rather is a catalyst for sin that affects
every aspect of our being. The fact of the matter is that these kids of actions describe all of us if we walk away from God.
But, thankfully God has not left us to our own devices. Jesus Christ enters into this mess, offering hope and transformation. He does not leave us in our depraved state but reaches out with mercy and grace. He meets us in our mess and if we respond to him in faith, we will find forgiveness for our sins and a new way of living. Our new life starts looking far more like the righteous, other centered life God made us for. When we turn to Jesus in faith, he gives us his Holy Spirit, he renews our minds, and we are empowered to resist the pull of sin and live in a way that honours God.
Prayer: Merciful Father, we are confronted with the reality of our sin and the ease with which we can turn away from You. Forgive us for the times we have chosen our path over Yours and for the ways our lives have reflected the attitudes and actions listed in this passage. Thank You for the hope and transformation found in Jesus Christ. Please renew our minds and hearts, guiding us to live in a manner worthy of Your calling. Help us to be lights in a dark world, reflecting Your love and truth in all we do. Amen.
Challenge for the Day: Take some time today to examine your heart and mind. Are there areas of your life where you see attitudes or actions that reflect the ones Paul describes? Ask God to help you identify any thoughts, attitudes, or behaviors that need to change. Choose one area to focus on, asking for God’s strength to transform that part of your life. Seek to practice kindness, humility, and integrity, actively turning away from any patterns of sin and towards a life that honors God.