Who Sets the Bar?

For, as it is written, “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.” 

  Romans 2:24

In Romans Chapter 2 Paul addresses Jews, Gentiles, the law and judgment.  He states that living according to the law makes one righteous before the God whether you are a Jew or Gentile.  But the one who knows what the law requires and does not keep the law will face judgement whether Jew or Gentile.  Then Paul speaks specifically to the Jew who has been the guardian of the law and bears the mark of the covenant through circumcision.  Just being physically circumcised does not make a person righteous, whether Jew or Gentile.

Some think this verse is used as anti-semitic rhetoric.  There are many who do not like the Jews for a variety of reasons such as their favored status.  Or some don’t like them for the perception of their wealth.  Some feel that they are ruthless in their business dealings.  BUT, this is not the context for this verse.  In the previous verse Paul addresses HYPOCRISY.  The Jews speak and preach the importance of the law and following God, but Paul says they violate the same law that they are judging.  That hypocrisy opens the door for people to point fingers at God and say “if you are a special Jew, why don’t you live like one?”

This should cause great humility among Christians.  There are too many people who complain about the hypocrisy in our churches.  This does cause people to wonder about God’s effectiveness to truly change hearts and lives.  We need to talk the talk and then walk the walk.

God sets the bar for one to be righteous.  In order to be right with God we must reach his bar.  No compromise will work.  We are not allowed to reset the standard. Jesus is the only human that reached the bar and satisfied God’s requirements. 

Father, please help us to be authentic about our lives.  We are not perfect and we make mistakes.   We can never be good enough for you to like us more.  We follow your commands, but we are not to judge others.  Thank you for loving us and forgive our hypocrisy.