WEEK 24 – DAY 3

APPLAUSE

Though they are fully aware of God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve to die, they not only do them themselves but approve and applaud others who practice them. Romans 1:32 (AMPC)

Apart from the influence of Christ the “intent of man’s heart is evil” (Genesis 8:21b). In the first chapter of Romans, Paul informs us that man is condemned, without excuse, because of willful ignorance. Man has chosen to blind himself to the reality of God as revealed in His creation. Man could choose to see creation, give thanks to the Creator, and worship Him but instead has chosen to worship man-made idols. The Romans to whom Paul was writing had been redeemed by Christ from a society in which idolatry, worship of animals, sexual perversion, and all the sins listed in this passage were commonplace. What really jumped out at me was the phrase “applaud others who practice them.” I may take a “holier than thou’ attitude and say, “I would never do these things!” But if I examine my life closely, I will see that apart from the work of the Holy Spirit in my life because of my salvation in Christ, I would do any and all of them. Looking more closely, I may have to admit that I have enjoyed—applauded—others doing these things. Maybe not in my neighborhood, but in Hollywood. In the privacy of my living room, am I laughing at the inanity that passes for humor these days? Do I watch movies full of profanity and vulgarity?   Does any of this entertainment pass the test of Philippians 4:8?

Father, help us to be more conscious of the images and ideas we are allowing into our minds. Help us to be cognizant of the fact that we are condoning unrighteous acts by approving of them in various forms of entertainment. Help us to not judge others, but to be careful to judge ourselves according to Your standard of holiness. Help us to feed our spirits with those things that are righteous, lovely, and pure. Give us strength to daily deny ourselves (our fleshly desires), take up our crosses, and follow You (Matthew 16:24).