Are we any better off?

Today's reading: Romans 1-3

What then? Are we any better off? No, not at all; for we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under the power of sin. Romans 3:9 NRSV

Have you ever had denominational jealousy? Have you ever admired the work other Christians are doing in their church or their church structure? Have you ever wished your church would do something similar that another church is doing?

Or perhaps you have denominational superiority. Your faith structure is better, kinder, more Christian. You believe correctly. The other church has missed the point of the kingdom entirely.

But are we any better off?

The point that Paul is making is that Jews, although they have the Law, are not better than Gentile Christians. Both Jews and Gentiles are susceptible to sin. Neither has an automatic pass or out. Sinfulness beats on the door of both Gentiles and Jews. Neither circumcision nor the law can save a person from sin.

Just because you are part of a particular Christian community, that does not mean you have a one-way ticket and that other Christian community has a few lay-overs. We are all susceptible to sin. Not one of us has an advantage over the other. All are only justified through faith, not denominational policies.

God, thank you that we are not any better off than other Christians. Help us strengthen our faith each day. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims