In my last post, I began looking at Paul’s view of society without Christ. He also made the point that God’s character is seen through His creation.
For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.
Romans 1:20
As a believer who loves the outdoors, this verse excites me. To see the beauty of a mountain vista, fall colors, lake, sky, and wind. They all combine together to give a sense of awe and wonder. All of Creation seems to cry out that it’s the work of someone vastly more intelligent and powerful than you or I.
But that’s not how it is for everybody.
For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.
Romans 1:21-23
This passage reminds us that not everyone credits God for His work. There are those who see a vastly different picture. As I said in my last post, evolution and chance are the gods of this world. There are many people who overlook the obvious in order to avoid giving account of themselves to God.
The fact remains that God has revealed Himself in the context of His Creation. This is why society does not seek understanding even though it’s the most important issue of life.
Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. 25They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.
Romans 1:24-25
The problem is that understanding brings with it the desire to know God. So, in order to deflect this knowledge, man has decided to worship creation rather than the Creator.
You may think that this section of Scripture is outdated. People don’t worship images in the shape of humans or animals anymore. But is that really the case?
We need to see the definition of the word, worship. It means the act or feeling of adoration or homage. It involves the giving of deference, respect or honor to someone or something.
Just because our modern idols are not statues of silver and gold doesn’t mean they don’t exist. In our society, we worship athletes, entertainers, educators, politicians, and chefs to name a few. We even have a popular show called American Idol.
According to the verses above, this mindset causes us to walk in foolish and empty reasoning. We end up worshiping things that are temporary and decaying.
Without Christ, we make a very foolish exchange. We give up the glory of a powerful and eternal God for things that will never satisfy or last forever.
The worst part is that there are many Christians who are running after these same things. They don’t understand that true satisfaction and fulfillment can only be found in the center of God’s will for them.
Make it your goal to seek the eternal. Spend time getting to know the God of Creation through your relationship with Christ.
Question: What is the focus of worship in your life?
© 2020 Nick Zaccardi
The Spirit and the Word 