because of me

You who boast in the law dishonor God by breaking the law. For, as it is written, “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.” 

~Romans 2:23-24

Whether we’re reading the words of Jesus in the gospels or any of the New Testament writers, there’s a consistent theme when it comes to the Pharisees (Jewish religious leadership): They’re all about looking the part of “God people”—saying the right things, keeping the Law outwardly, and making sure they are seen and heard as the original “holier than thou” set…but, in reality, their hearts are cold, idolatrous, and judgmental. As Jesus interacted with these Jewish leaders, He not only knew their hearts and saw right through them, He often called them out in front of everyone (check out Matthew 23:1-36 and Luke 18:9-14 for a couple of examples). 

In Romans (and his other letters), it’s the wordsmithing attorney and former Pharisee, Paul, who points his finger at these blind guides that their works-based living is missing the whole point of the Law: we’re not justified (made right in God’s eyes) through keeping the Law, it’s a mirror to show us how we only fall short and a map to guide our lives. It’s only by faith in Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the Law on our behalf, that puts us in right relationship with God. So, praise God for the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, paying for the wrath we deserve and imputing His righteousness to us! None of us can actually “keep the Law”—“There is none righteous, no not one” (Romans 3:9-11)—and that includes the highly religious among us modern-day Christians. Only by God’s grace through faith are we saved. We were dead, now we’re alive. And every single day, we sin, repent, remind ourselves that we’ve been paid in full, and give God praise and glory. (At least, I pray it is so!)

Given these facts, why is it so easy to look down our noses and judge the behaviors/lifestyle of unbelievers when we were once dead ourselves? Even worse, why do we weigh the words and actions of other believers against some personal pharisaical “sanctification checklist” in our head, seeing them fall short of what we would do? Oh, beloved, that we would all remind ourselves (a) where we came from (blind, lost, dead) and (b) that every believer’s sanctification journey (walk toward holiness and glory) is on a different path and pace. We’re called to evangelize the lost and encourage/edify the believer. Not judge. Oh, but there’s more ouchy news.

It’s not just our own judgmentalism toward others that reflects poorly on our profession of faith as believers. See Paul’s illumination to us in Romans 2:23-24: Even as “church people” and professing followers of Jesus Christ, we can actually speak and act in a way that dishonors God such that others are not only NOT DRAWN to Jesus but respond by TURNING AWAY from Him. Because of us. Because of me.

We are called to be salt and light in this decaying and dark world, drawing others to the Lord. So, even in our unique sanctification journeys, we can’t excuse—or pursue—sinful behavior under the umbrella of God’s grace (see Romans 6!) We’re free from the bondage of sin…yet we’ll be in a battle with our old, fleshly self until we leave this life for the next. But, sweet friend, as we work out our salvation to live holy lives in response to what Christ has done for us, we must also be motivated by how we reflect Jesus to others. To constantly think, “What will they think of Christ because of me?” We raise our voice in righteous indignation to the customer service rep. We use our vehicle to demonstrate frustration with others. We let our impatience bubble up through our vocal cords into sarcasm or vitriol. (Or is this just me?) How often, after these kinds of responses, do we consider: What would they say if, right now, I shared the gospel or even invited them to church? They’d likely shake their head, scoff, and walk away…from us and maybe even the Lord. 

Hear me out: This is NOT a motivation like with the Pharisees who ask themselves, “What will they think of me?” No! Our “me” is taken completely out of the equation! As ambassadors of the King and His kingdom, our whole lives—thoughts, words, actions—are meant to represent and glorify Him (Matthew 5:16). As believers, our joy, prayers, and praise aren’t just for Sundays and time with our church friends when “holy living” is easier…our holiness, through the grace of Jesus, is for every moment of every day. When we’re squeezed, when our expectations aren’t met, when the world’s darkness presses in. So, beloved, join me in praying diligently that others see Jesus and want to know God because of us.

Heavenly Father, I repent for giving in to my flesh and responding to circumstances contrary to who I am in Christ. Help me live every day as light and salt, drawing others to you—not making them stumble or, worse, turn further from You. Make my life an instrument of Your grace, mercy, and love…that others know You because of me.