Let God Be True

Romans 3 (NIV):
1 What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision?  2 Much in every way! First of all, the Jews have been entrusted with the very words of God. 3 What if some were unfaithful?  Will their unfaithfulness nullify God's faithfulness?  4 Not at all!  Let God be true, and every human being a liar.  As it is written: "So that you may be proved right when you speak and prevail when you judge." 

I recently heard from someone that they grew up in the church and subsequently left on account of "Christians" in the church doing un-Christian things.  I've heard this before as a reason some give for staying away from the church.  Those of us who have been entrusted with the Word of God do have a responsibility to uphold it, as Paul says later in this chapter.  But when we don't measure up to the law of God, it does not mean that God is no longer faithful, or that He has failed.  In fact, Paul argues that His judgment of sin is always just.  So yes, it is sad that one would feel the need to leave the church on account of the unrighteous acts of the people there, but does that justify judging God to be unfaithful?  No, ultimately it does not.  Is God unfaithful to me because of the people who have hurt me?  No.  Paul says here let God be true and every man a liar.  That is, God's truth and faithfulness is not determined by man's faithlessness. 

God has asked His church to represent him in the earth.  We must be aware of that.  But we must also ask ourselves "am I putting my faith in the God of the bible, or am I putting my faith in the imperfection of his followers?"  When others around us fail in establishing the perfection and love of God's kingdom, we must be willing to say "Let God be true, and every man a liar." 

Till next time,

Jeremy