Romans 1:18-25: a reflection

18For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19because that which is known of God is revealed in them, for God revealed it to them. 20For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and divinity, that they may be without excuse. 21Because knowing God, they didn’t glorify him as God, and didn’t give thanks, but became vain in their reasoning, and their senseless heart was darkened. 22Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23and traded the glory of the incorruptible God for the likeness of an image of corruptible man, and of birds, four-footed animals, and creeping things. 24Therefore God also gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to uncleanness, that their bodies should be dishonored among themselves; 25who exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

Paul traces the root of human sin back to a fundamental exchange. Though people knew God from what he had made, his eternal power and divine nature clearly seen in creation, they did not honor him as God or give thanks; instead, they exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator. At the root of humanity's turning from God is this: honoring created things rather than the Creator who made them.

Notice the exchange Paul names: worshiping and serving the creature rather than the Creator. This is the essence of idolatry, and it is not only bowing to statues; it is giving to created things, our possessions, our achievements, other people, ourselves, the honor, trust, and devotion that belong to God alone. The created gifts, which should point us to the Creator and lead us to thank him, become instead the things we worship and serve in his place. We honor the gift and forget the giver; we serve the creature and neglect the Creator.

That exchange is not only ancient history; it is the ongoing temptation of every heart. We are constantly tempted to give created things, good things in themselves, the ultimate place that belongs only to God, to worship and serve them rather than the One who made them. Examine your own heart for that exchange. Are there created things, gifts of God, that you have begun to worship and serve in his place, honoring the creature over the Creator? Turn it back. Give God the glory and gratitude due him as Creator, and let the good things he has made lead you to him, rather than taking his place.

Lord, Paul names the root of sin as worshiping and serving the creature rather than the Creator, honoring created things over the God who made them. Search my heart for that exchange. Show me where I have given created things, good gifts of yours, the ultimate place that belongs only to you, worshiping and serving them in your place. Help me turn it back: to give you the glory and gratitude due you as Creator, and to let your good gifts lead me to you rather than taking your place. You alone deserve my worship.